Capsicum
Capsicum
Capsicum (/ˈkæpsɪkəm/), also known as peppers, is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family Solanaceae. Its species are native to the Americas, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years.
Etymology
The name "Capsicum" stems from the Greek word "kapto", which means "to bite". This refers to the heat (spiciness) found in some peppers, which can create a biting sensation.
Species
Capsicum consists of 20–27 species, five of which are domesticated: Capsicum annuum, Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum chinense, Capsicum frutescens, and Capsicum pubescens.
Uses
Capsicum fruits and peppers can be eaten raw or cooked. They are used in many cuisines as a spice, and have been used in traditional medicine. Capsicum can also be used in the manufacture of medicines due to its high vitamin content and other unique substances.
Related Terms
- Solanaceae: The nightshade family, which includes Capsicum.
- Scoville Scale: A measurement of the pungency (spicy heat) of chili peppers, such as those from the Capsicum genus.
- Capsaicin: The chemical compound that makes hot peppers "hot"; found in Capsicum fruits.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Capsicum
- Wikipedia's article - Capsicum
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