Chili Peppers

spicy · fruit · cooking · plants

What makes them hot?. Chili peppers contain a chemical called capsaicin that makes your mouth feel burning and spicy. The more capsaicin a pepper has, the hotter it tastes.

They're actually fruits. Even though we use chili peppers like vegetables in cooking, they're technically berries that grow on plants. They come in many colors like red, green, yellow, and orange.

Thousands of types exist. There are hundreds of different chili pepper varieties grown around the world, from mild and sweet to incredibly hot. Each type brings its own unique flavor and heat level to dishes.

Used beyond cooking. Capsaicin from chili peppers is used in creams and medicines to help with pain relief. Scientists study chili peppers for their potential health benefits.

Nightshade family member. Chili peppers belong to the nightshade family of plants, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants.