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The family of chili peppers - which includes
mild-flavored members such as sweet bell peppers all the up
to way to the fiery jalapeño and the positively blazing
Habaneros - has enjoyed a unique and respectable position
among food and spices throughout history. The origin of the
chili pepper can be traced back to the Incas inhabiting the
Americas around 7000 years ago, who domesticated it for the
first time. And although the name 'pepper' would seem to
imply a relation with the family of black and white peppers,
there in fact isn't.
History of Hot Chili
Peppers
The term was originally used when the
explorer Columbus returned to Europe from his voyage to the
New World, his ships bearing what he presumed to be a new
variety of pepper. And the rest is history; chilis are now
an essential part of the cuisines of Asia, Africa, Americas
and some parts of Europe.
Chili
Peppers in Cooking
The range of food and cultures that embrace
chili as an integral culinary ingredient is staggering: from
the Indian curries to the Korean kimchis to the Mexican
Enchiladas and the ubiquitous chili sauces, to mention just
a few.
Health
Benefits of Hot Chili Peppers
There is not much in the way of subtlety
when considering the influence of chili on the flavor of
food; it is out-and-out hot. Eyes stream, noses run and
tongues burn with the physical sensation of pain... yet the
diners keep coming back for more! Chili can justifiably be
claimed to have an addictive influence; some scientists say
that it is due to the release of opiate-like endorphins by
the brain to counteract the pain caused by capsaicin (the
chemical that gives chili its heat) that triggers the
culinary equivalent of a high-speed joyride in the brain,
without the dangers.
And they aren't without a good share of
health benefits either: a typical chili pepper packs more
vitamin C than a whole orange. They are also low in sodium,
and rich in potassium, vitamin A and fiber. They contain
compounds that many are believed to fight against heart
disease, cancer and cataracts. So, the next time you eat out
at your favorite Indian restaurant, spare a thought to the
humble yet remarkable chili pepper as you enjoy (and weep
through) your extra-hot curry!
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