"Chili Explained: Fruit, Fire, and Flavor"

 🌶️ Chili Peppers

                                            

Chili peppers are the spicy fruits of plants from the genus Capsicum, part of the nightshade family .

➤ Scoville Scale:

Measures spiciness in Scoville Heat Units . The higher the SHU, the hotter the pepper.

➤ Key Compound:

Capsaicin – the active component that causes the burning sensation. It’s used in hot sauces, pepper sprays, and even topical pain relief creams.

➤ Uses:

Culinary: Salsas, hot sauces, curries, stir-fries, stews

Medicinal: Pain relief, metabolism boosting

Preservation: Natural antimicrobial properties

🍲 Chili (Dish) – Usually “Chili Con Carne”

➤ Basic Ingredients:

Chili peppers (fresh or dried)

Beans 

Tomatoes (diced or sauce)

Onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, and other spices

🏥 Health Notes

Benefits:

Rich in vitamins A, C, and E

Boosts metabolism

Contains antioxidants

May reduce appetite

Cautions:

Can cause digestive discomfort

Can irritate eyes and skin