Peppers
Peppers (Capsicum)
Peppers (pronounced: /ˈpɛpərz/), also known as Capsicum (pronounced: /ˈkæpsɪkəm/), are a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family Solanaceae. They are native to the Americas, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. Peppers are now grown worldwide, and are used in many cuisines as a spice, food, and medicine.
Etymology
The word "pepper" comes from the Old English pipor, and the Latin piper, both borrowed from the Greek piperi. The term "capsicum" is derived from the Greek kapto, meaning "to bite", a reference to the heat and pungency of the fruits.
Types of Peppers
There are several types of peppers, including:
- Bell pepper: A mild, sweet variety of pepper.
- Cayenne pepper: A hot chili pepper used to flavor dishes.
- Jalapeno: A medium-sized chili pepper that has a warm, burning sensation when eaten.
- Habanero: One of the most intensely spicy species of chili peppers.
- Paprika: A spice made from ground, dried fruits of the larger and sweeter varieties of the plant Capsicum annuum.
Medical Uses
Peppers have been used in traditional medicine for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. Capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their heat, is used in topical creams and patches to relieve pain.
Related Terms
- Capsaicin: The chemical compound that gives peppers their heat.
- Scoville scale: A measurement of the pungency (spicy heat) of chili peppers.
- Nightshade: The family of plants to which peppers belong.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Peppers
- Wikipedia's article - Peppers
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