Chilli Peppers

Chilli peppers are the fruits of plants belonging to the genus Capsicum, originally cultivated in Latin America and now grown worldwide. Their heat is caused by a compound called capsaicin, which is measured on the Scoville scale. There are hundreds of varieties with varying heat levels, from mild jalapeños and medium-hot serranos to extremely fiery habaneros and carolina reapers. They are used fresh, dried, ground or pickled. In the kitchen, they are added to sauces, soups, marinades, pastes and spice blends across the globe. They are also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.