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Q. Where do Chili Peppers
originate?
A. It is thought that they made their first appearance around 7,000 BC in
Mexico. The first European to "discover" Chili Peppers was Christopher Columbus
in America in 1493. It is said that he was actually looking for an alternative
to black pepper. What he found was a small hot pod in which he called the
"pimiento" after the Spanish word for black pepper. Within a century, chili
peppers' popularity had spread worldwide.
Q. What makes a Chili Pepper HOT?
A. Their pungency is derived from a compound called CAPSAICIN, which is a
substance located in the internal partitions of the fruit, that causes acrid
vapors and a burning taste.
Q. Won't I avoid the burn if I don't eat the seeds?
A. Seeds are not the source of heat in a pepper, as most people believe. The
capsaicin is produced in the glands and the most heat is found in the placenta
of the pepper that attaches the seeds to the pod.
Q. What's the best way to cool your mouth after eating a Chili Pepper?
A. Immediate consumption of dairy products like milk, sour cream or ice cream.
The more fat in the product the better. Also, starchy foods tend to absorb the
heat! A popular Mexican cure is to consume beer to cool the burn!
Q. Why won't good old-fashioned ice water cool your mouth down?
A. Pure capsaicin is a whitish powder, which is insoluble in cold water, which
is why drinking water won't help to ease your burning tongue!
Q. I am a wimp! What is the mildest pepper I can eat?
A. The mildest peppers are Bell Peppers, Cherry Peppers and Yellow Peppers.
Q. I like it HOT! What are the more macho peppers?
A. Hotter categories of peppers include the Jalapeno Pepper and the Cayenne
Pepper. The hottest pepper is the Habanero!
Q. Aside from Chili Pepper productions, what is the HOTTEST pepper ever?
A. A 1994 Red Savina Habanero from GNS Spices has tested an astonishing 577,
000 Scoville Units and is believed to be the hottest pepper ever tasted!
Q. What are Scoville Units?
A. Scoville units are what the heat intensity of a pepper is measured in. The
more milder pepper, like the Bell Peppers range from 100 - 1,000 scovilles
units. While the hottest peppers, like the Jalapeno and habanero, range from
5,000 - 300,000 scoville units.
Q. Are eating Chili Peppers good for your health?
A. Chiles are high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C and are reported to help lower
blood pressure!
Q. Is there a rule of thumb about Chili Peppers that I should know?
A. The smaller and thinner the pepper, the hotter it will be!
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