*Chili peppers are the fruits of many plants in the genus Capsicum, of the family Solanaceae. Hot varieties are fruits of the plant, Capsicum frutescens.

*Botanically it is a berry fruit, and in culinary sense, it is a spice.

*Peppers are generally classified into – bell peppers, sweet peppers and hot peppers.

*Hot peppers have a very spicy with a fiery hot flavor.

*Red hot chili peppers are the ripe chili peppers.

*Buying and storage: Select firm, brightly colored, fresh hot peppers without any bruises or cuts. Remove the stalks and store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Whole or chopped hot peppers can be frozen for several weeks.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, fresh hot chili peppers are raw.
*No, canned, seeded peppers are not raw. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. The chemicals in chilies responsible for its spicy intensity is capsaicin and other related chemicals, which are collectively called capsaicinoids.

2. Capsaicinoids are phytochemicals may have some weight loss properties which are still being studied for scientific proof.

3. Recent research shows capsaicinoids can decrease the amount of insulin required to lower blood sugar after a meal.

4. Capsaicinoids stimulate the release of pain killing chemical, endorphins, by the brain. Hot chilies are being studied for a possible use as an agent in alleviating chronic pain.

5. Excellent source of Vitamin C, a natural water soluble antioxidant, which fights against the free radicals that damage our cells, reduces the risk of heart diseases, cancer and other degenerative diseases, enhances the immunity, maintains the elasticity of blood vessels and skin, increases the absorption of iron from the intestines, improves would healing, and prevents the formation of clots in the blood.