Pepper (fruit)

Peppers are the fruits of various plants of the genus Capsicum. They originated in the tropical Americas and were cultivated by many pre-Columbian civilizations in Central and South America. Peppers are divided into two groups, sweet and hot.

Sweet peppers

Most types of sweet peppers are also known as bell peppers for their bell-like shape. Bell peppers are red, yellow, or purple when mature, but are often harvested early, when they are green and have a much more bitter taste.

All sweet peppers are varieties of the species Capsicum annuum.

Sweet peppers are eaten stuffed, in salads, or used as a vegetable accompaniment, especially with beef.

Hot peppers

Hot peppers are derived from either C. annuum (including cayenne and chili peppers) or C. frutescens (including tabasco peppers). Their spiciness, which is measured in Scoville units, comes from their high levels of capsaicin.

Hot peppers are used to season dishes of all sorts, either as a direct component or in hot sauces. The spices paprika, chili powder, and cayenne are all derived from hot peppers.