Chili pepper

Chili pepper originated in the Americas. It was brought to Asia by Portuguese navigators during the 16th century. Christopher Columbus was one of the first Europeans to encounter them and called them "peppers" because of their hot taste like pepper. In the early days chili was used as a substitute for black pepper corns which were very expensive at that time. Today India is the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of chili peppers.

Green chili

There are many varieties of chili peppers. Some are very hot and some can be very mild. Bell peppers  belong to the chili family but they are not hot. Some milder variety of chili is a vegetable that can be made into a curry.

Curry chili(Banana chili) 

Green Bell pepper

Yellow bell pepper

Red bell pepper

Thailand chili

Very hot  Thailand chili

Chili peppers are mostly used in curries, sauces, pickles, chutneys and dips. Occasionally you might find some sweets like ice cream and jam containing chili pepper. Chili pepper can be stuffed with tofu and fish paste and steamed to make a spicy accompaniment for many dishes.Chili pepper is addictive. Once get used to it you will want more and more.

Chili powder is made from sun dried chili peppers.Curry powder uses chili powder and some other spices. Famous chili con carne is made with minced beef and chili. Indians make many items using dry chili. One of it is coconut sambol

The heat of the chili is not in the seeds but in the white spongy material in the core of the chili and in the ribs of the chili.Chili pepper enhances the taste of otherwise bland ingredients.  It also improves the metabolism.

Chili contains an alkaloid compound known as capsaicin, which gives it the strong spicy pungent character. Capsaicin and its co-compounds used in the preparation of ointments, rubs and tinctures for their astringent, counter-irritant and analgesic properties. These formulations have been in use in the treatment of arthritic pain, post-herpetic neuropathic pain, sore muscles, etc.
Chili has anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic and anti-diabetic properties. It could also reduce LDL cholesterol levels in obese individuals.

Chili can help in stopping spread of prostate cancer and prevent stomach ulcer. It can also boost immunity. Chili can help clear mucus from your stuffed up nose or congested lungs. Capsaicin stimulates brain to excrete endorphin and gives a sense of pleasure when ingested. This is why people get addicted to chili.

We often hear people say that they cannot take spicy food because it upsets their stomach or gives them heartburn. But in fact chili peppers can prevent chronic indigestion, kill the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers, trigger intestinal peristaltic function and even keep acid reflux at bay. It assists in detoxification.

Chili helps in easing bowel movement problems. But excessive chili can give a burning sensation when passing bowels.

Chili is rich in Vitamin C and contains B complex group of vitamins. It also contains flavonoids like ß-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, zea-xanthin, and cryptoxanthin and minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, and magnesium.

Mini sweet bell peppers

Look for fresh chilies bright color and healthy stalk. Look at the tips to ensure that they have started to rot or become moldy.

You can store them in a plastic bag or in a plastic box in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.  You must remove the stem as it will to rot. They will stay good for at least a week. Dry red chilies are also available in the stores. The can be stored in air tight containers for several months. They do not require refrigeration.

You have to be careful in handling chilies. They can irritate nasal passages, eyes and throat. You may also feel a strong burning sensation in your fingers. You can also buy chili and curry powders from the stores. Curry powder includes various condiments.

Dry chili

Taking yogurt helps reduce the burning pain by diluting capsaicin concentration and preventing its contact with stomach walls.

You should avoid food containing chilies if you have sore throat, cough or gastro-esophageal reflux. Chili is known to aggravate these conditions.

Chili can be pickled and made into sauce and dips. In America and Canada chili con carne is called chili.

Nutrition information of red chili is found here. and green chili here.