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Capsicum is a genus
of plants from the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Some of the
members of Capsicum are used as spices, vegetables, and medicines.
The fruit of Capsicum plants is commonly known as chile pepper
or just pepper. They originated in Central and South America,
but are now grown throughout the world. The fruit of most species
of Capsicum contains capsaicin (methyl vanillyl nonenamide), a
lipophilic chemical that can produce a strong burning sensation
in the mouth (and, once digested, anus) of the unaccustomed eater.
Most mammals find this unpleasant; however birds are unaffected,
and it therefore appears that the secretion of capsaicin is an
adaptation to protect the fruit from consumption by mammals while
the bright colors attract birds that will spread the seeds. Chile
peppers are of great importance in Native American medicine, and
capsaicin is used in modern Western medicine—mainly in topical
preparations—as a circulatory stimulant and pain reliever.
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Miniature bell
peppers change from purple to orange as they mature.The fruit
is boxlike, conical, or spherical and filled with air. It has
2 to 4 vertical ribs on the inside, which may carry seeds; but
the bulk of the seeds are on a dome at the stem end. Capsicums
vary in horticulturally ripe colour and may be green, yellow,
orange, bright red, lavender, brownish purple, or other colors
depending on variety and on what stage of botanical ripeness is
considered best for use.
The Above Images
Come From The
U.S.D.A.
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