Although most chili peppers are indigenous to South America, they are used and grown around the world. Hot peppers are used in abundance in Mexican, South American, Indonesian, African and Oriental cooking, while the milder peppers are common in European and North American recipes.
What Are Peppers
The word "peppers" can bring to mind several images. On one end of the spectrum is the sweet bell pepper. On the... Read more >
When selecting peppers for heat the rule of thumb is the smaller the pepper, the hotter it will be. Because it makes sense to select chili peppers by their pungency rather than their species, we have divided the pepper plants featured on this site by heat—sweet peppers to very hot peppers. (For those of you who are particularly interested in plant identification, we've included the species information.) Learn... Read more >
Chili peppers can be used fresh or preserved. This page discusses using fresh peppers and includes a homemade salsa recipe. Click here to read about pickling and drying peppers and uses for preserved peppers.
Stuffed Peppers
Whether they're sweet bells, mini pimentos, or spicy serranos, stuffed peppers make delicious appetizers or even main courses. Stuffed peppers can be made vegan, ovo-lacto vegetarian or... Read more >
While many pepper plants are perennial (flower and fruit year after year) in their native environment, most garden peppers are grown as annuals (replaced every year). Peppers are part of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes and datura.
Pepper Planting
Peppers, especially hot pepper plants with their colorful fruits, are ideal for spot planting around a garden, providing... Read more >
Very hot chili peppers range from 80,000 to over 300,000 Scoville Units! They are not for the faint of heart, or the sensitive of mouth. An ice-cold beer or margarita makes a perfect companion for these super-heated chili pepers. The alcohol breaks up the oily capsaicin and acts as a "fire extinguisher. You can also enjoy these hot peppers with crackers, bread, or any other starch and cheese. Avoid water, as the... Read more >
Decorating with chili peppers is easy and can add a spice to your home that goes beyond just taste. Using chili peppers as small accents or even as broader themes fits well into many different styles of décor.
About Chili Peppers
Chilies are from the genus Capsicum. This genus includes the spicier species that immediately come to mind, as well as the mild bell pepper. Chilies come in many hues, ranging from... Read more >
Chili peppers add spice and flavor to many common dishes. Many people claim that chili peppers have numerous health benefits, such as assisting in weight loss and supporting pain management. However, chili peppers also have some potential health risks.
Chili Pepper Use in the United States
Each year, millions of pounds of capsaicin (chili pepper extract) are imported into the United States, primarily from India... Read more >
Chili peppers, like all other fruits and vegetables, are at their very best right after picking. Refrigeration will delay spoilage only for a few days. Preserving through pickling, drying or freezing extends their shelf life so you can enjoy your delicious peppers year round.
Pickling Peppers
Some of the best chili peppers for pickling and making relishes are the jalapeno, Bermuda hot, pepperoncini, sweet... Read more >