Chilli

Sweet peppers, chillies, cayenne, paprika…
They all come from Capsicum annuum.

The hottest bite in the plant-world, this annual plant originates from Central America where many varieties were developed over hundreds of years by indigenous people.

When discovered by the Spanish and Portuguese, they were quickly introduced into their cuisine. Sweet peppers can be eaten raw or cooked; chilli or hot peppers are used as a seasoning.

Why so hot?
The birds which eat the wild fruit do not taste their hot flavour which is there to put off other animals. The birds digest the fruit and distribute the seeds in their droppings.

Back up to: temperate house plants

On to: Quinine