Spice Collection
The Gift of Chili Pepper
A spicy American fruit
Humans have consumed chilis since 7500 BCE, and capsaicin makes it taste spicy. The Mexica, a ruling ethnic group of the Aztecs, introduced this to conquistadors. This culture spoke Nahuatl, and chili was their word for it.
Columbus’ crew were the first to try chili, and they called it pepper like the spicy peppercorn of Europe. While chilis came from Mexico, Peru holds the most kinds — evidence of earlier trade. The Inca had a system of over 2000 qollqas, or warehouses, where their government stored foods for times of famine.
Nomenclature: Capsicum L. (var.)
Tastes: Spicy, sometimes fruity, sweet, smokey, and more
Uses: Flavoring, pest deterrent, fermentation, sauce, perspiration, folk medicine
Origin: Central Mexico
Recipe: Chili Seasoning Recipe (GF/V)
Ingredients: Chili powder, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, peppercorn.
