Chili pepper is a spicy fruit of Meso-American origin, especially from a tropical climate, which is used to flavor foods. Its name comes from the language of the pre-Columbian inhabitants, known as ''Haxi'' from which the popular name of chili originates as a decomposition of that name.
Today in the world there are more than 250 varieties of chili peppers, among which the hot chili and the sweet chili stand out, which will be the protagonists of our article today.
Chili pepper
Its scientific name is Capsicum Annuum, commonly known as chili, chili pepper, pepper, peperoncino, habanero chili, naga Jolokia, piri piri, tabasco or brown. Their shapes, colors and sizes vary according to the more than 40 domesticated species suitable for human consumption.
This type of chili contains a chemical substance called capsaicin, a product of the alteration of the fruit during its development and is responsible for producing the burning sensation in the mouth. On the other hand, this substance has been recognized as responsible for counteracting cancer cells thanks to its powerful antioxidant action.
What is hot pepper used for?
Hot pepper is used quite frequently in Mexican cuisine to season sauces, stews, stews, desserts, ice creams, even in sweets for children. In some Asian countries it is also used in the preparation of soups, fish and seafood.
Sweet pepper
The fruit that does not alter its chemical properties when forming is called sweet chili. It lacks capsaicin so it does not produce a burning sensation in the mouth. Its shape is small and rounded, its color depends on the degree of ripeness, which can be green, yellow, orange or red. Its stereotype is identical to the hot pepper, making it a big problem when it comes to identifying it.
It is known that it is sweet pepper because of the origin of its seed when it is planted. Choosing them is a great mystery, farmers manage to identify them without having to try them, which can be very difficult for the final consumer. The recognized varieties of this type of chili are the bell pepper and Bell type chili.
What is sweet chili used for?
Sweet chili is essential when making soups, stews and sauces. It provides an unmatched flavor to stews, it is an ingredient to season red and white meats. This ingredient is used to flavor dishes that contain fish and shellfish.
In Latin America, specifically in Venezuela, it is used in the Andean region as a particular ingredient for the preparation of shredded meat, bare buns with sweet chili sauce and the Trujillano Mojito, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity, announced by Irina Bokova.
Chili pepper is an iconic ingredient in Latin gastronomy, so when you want to prepare a Latin dish, chili pepper should not be missing.
