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Singing the Praises of Capsicum (Hot and Fiery Peppers)

It is so wonderful when your favorite food seasoning is also very good for you!

By Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner)Published 10 months ago 5 min read
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Image by Michael Schwarzenberger from Pixabay

My late mother had a cabinet full of all kinds of herbs and spices in her kitchen. Cayenne pepper was always on her shelf.

There were many of us living at home when I was growing up — mom and dad, my brothers, my one sister, and me. With so many varying taste buds to please, my mom didn’t use red pepper to cook with; however, if any of us wanted to sprinkle it on our food to add that extra heat, we were permitted. If there were fresh red peppers we could slice them up and put them in our food.

Red pepper is one of my favorite food seasonings. The famous TV chef Lidia Bastianich says red pepper flakes are a secret ingredient in Italian cooking.

"Red or green hot pepper of the genus Capsicum (family Solanaceae) is the most used spice worldwide." (Source)

I never knew much about the history of herbs and spices until I set up my online affiliate marketing spice shop. I started researching the history of capsicum (cayenne pepper) and found that it had numerous health benefits. It was enough for me just to enjoy the flavor. But in addition to that kick, it's also healthy!

● DID YOU KNOW? Capsicum was first introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus as Guinea Pepper.

The explorer thought the hot taste sensation was similar to black pepper. During the 1800s, health practitioners used capsicum to counteract all kinds of maladies: arthritis, rheumatism, chills, … even toothaches. By the 20th century, health agencies or organizations were happy to “officially” recommend cayenne pepper because it is effective without having a narcotic effect, i.e. non-addictive. In fact, it is because of its proven medicinal value that capsicum is listed in the American Illustrated Medical Dictionary, and other medical reference manuals and material.

● There are several pepper varieties within the genus Capsicum, from sweet to hot. I love the hot and fiery chili peppers.

The peppers I remember my mom using are called Serrano Peppers. I grew up in Florida. Now that I live in Texas, Tex-Mex cuisine uses mainly Jalapeno or Habanero pepper. SHU is the Scoville Heat Unit and it measures spiciness or heat. I don't worry about the SHU because I learned to drink milk in order to cool my mouth down afterward.

There are healthcare articles that explain Why Dairy Is the Best Way to Cool Spicy Foods. But I learned this fun food fact watching an old movie. The young lady had been invited to dinner and the mischievous elderly gentleman who hosted the dinner rather liked her fiery spirit. He knew she had never eaten a hot pepper so he goaded her into biting a whole hot pepper. He asked her if it burned and she remarked "A little." She excused herself from the table and walked outside. A young man, also a guest at the dinner table, followed her outside and offered her a glass of milk. He told her it would cool down her tongue. She thanked him, drank the milk, and said "I thought my teeth were going to melt." I couldn't help but laugh. Then I thought it would be a good idea to file that information in my head for the next time I eat a hot pepper or spicy food. I always used to drink lots and lots of water, and all I had to do was drink a glass of milk? Great tip! (Forgive me. I watched that movie over 40 years ago and can't remember the name.)

● Hot chili peppers may have originated in Latin American countries but they are used in cuisines all around the world, European, Asian, African, etc.

  • Spicy foods are not prevalent in Europe but there are four (4) European peppers that are ingredients in various recipes: Friggitello (from Italy); Guindilla (from Spain); Piment d'Espelette (from France); and Cayenne pepper (from the Cayenne region of French Guiana).
  • Hot peppers came to Africa by way of South America during the 15th century. These days, Africans enjoy peppers in a variety of ways - fresh, dried, powdered; and in soups, stews, rice dishes, sauces, salsas, and jams.
  • Hunan or Szechwan are styles of Asian cuisines that are known for their spiciness and heat. Tien tsin chile peppers, aka Chinese red peppers, Chinese hot peppers, are one of the spiciest chili peppers in the world. They are used in Chinese, Thai, Cambodian, and Vietnamese cooking.
  • Chilies are not native to Australia but they have still been incorporated into the cuisines; especially barbecue sauce.

Lots more can be said about the joys and health benefits of hot and fiery peppers. This article was only intended to pique your interest. Hope you enjoyed reading it and want to know more.

Additional references:

“History Of Cayenne Red Pepper ( Capsicum ) | VitaNet®, LLC.” Vitanetonline.com, 2023, vitanetonline.com/forums/1/Thread/1341.

‌DarrellMiller. “Capsicum’s and Its Clinical Applications.” Article on Net - Articles Directory Online, 2023, articleon.net/wellness-fitness-and-diet/capsicumrsquos-and-its-clinical-applications/.

Carruthers, Fiona. “Keeping Regular: Your Guide to Getting Enough Fibre.” Healthy Food Guide, Healthy Food Guide, 26 Sept. 2016, www.healthyfood.com/advice/keeping-regular-your-guide-to-getting-enough-fibre/.

“10 Different Kinds of Peppers.” Finedininglovers.com, 2022, www.finedininglovers.com/article/10-different-kinds-peppers. Accessed 26 May 2023.

Albert, Stephen. “Five Ways to Cook Chili Peppers.” Harvest to Table, Harvest to Table, 22 Apr. 2022, harvesttotable.com/hot_peppers_hot_peppers_or/. Accessed 26 May 2023.

‌“Why Dairy Is the Best Way to Cool Spicy Foods.” Dairydiscoveryzone.com, 2020, www.dairydiscoveryzone.com/blog/why-dairy-best-way-cool-spicy-foods. Accessed 26 May 2023.

‌TNN. “Mushroom Capsicum Masala Recipe.” Timesofindia.com, 9 June 2017, recipes.timesofindia.com/us/recipes/mushroom-capsicum-masala/rs53595033.cms.

‌♦ ♦ ♦

‌Disclaimer: This article is my original content published elsewhere on the web. Portions have been revised, edited, and expanded upon for presentation to readers on this platform. https://medium.com/express-yourself/herb-and-spice-spotlight-capsicum-red-pepper-6eafa4d0e14a

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About the Creator

Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner)

Work-at-home professional since 2007. Blogger, writer, affiliate marketer, freelance worker.

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