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The bell pepper is the only member of the genus Capsicum that does not produce capsaicin, a lipophilic chemical that can cause a strong burning sensation when it comes in contact with mucous membranes. Bell peppers are thus scored in the lowest level of the Scoville scale, meaning that they are not spicy.
Capsaicin and several related amides (capsaicinoids) are produced as secondary metabolites by chili peppers, likely as deterrents against certain mammals and fungi. [9] Pure capsaicin is a hydrophobic, colorless, highly pungent (i.e., spicy) crystalline solid. [2]
They called them "peppers" because, like black pepper (Piper nigrum), which had long been known in Europe, they have a hot spicy taste unlike other foods. [ 8 ] [ 9 ] Chilies were first brought back to Europe by the Spanish, who financed Columbus's voyages, at the start of the large-scale interchange of plants and culture between the New World ...
Researchers and spicy food enthusiasts tell us why chili peppers are so addictive. ... a scale ranging from bell peppers at 0 SHUs to the new hottest pepper in the world, Pepper X, at 2.693 ...
Experts discuss how spicy food affects the body and the potential benefits and risks. ... tells TODAY.com. Capsaicin is a main component of chili peppers, such as cayenne, serrano and habanero. ...
The term "bell peppers" is never used, although in Australia C. annuum and other varieties which have a bell shape and are fairly hot, are often called "bell chillies". In Canada , Ireland, South Africa and the United Kingdom, the heatless varieties are known simply as "peppers" (or more specifically "green peppers", "red peppers", etc.), while ...
Capsaicin is the component in peppers that makes them spicy. It's also an irritant, which is why you feel a burning sensation when you eat something spicy. Specifically, capsaicin binds to and ...
Capsicum annuum, commonly known as paprika, chili pepper, red pepper, sweet pepper, jalapeño, cayenne, or bell pepper, [5] is a fruiting plant from the family Solanaceae (nightshades), within the genus Capsicum which is native to the northern regions of South America and to southwestern North America.