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Peppers are native to Mexico and Central America, and were
a staple food for the Inca in Peru. Chili Peppers were brought to
India in the 1500's. They are part of the Nightshade family of
plants. There are two varieties of peppers:
- The Grossum Group
The Grossum Group produces sweet peppers. Bell peppers and banana
peppers fall into this category.
- The Longum Group
The Longum Group produces hot peppers, chili and cayenne, for
example.
The hotness of peppers is produced by a substance called
capsaicin.
Hot peppers are usually grown in warmer regions.
Paprika is made from a mild variety of a hot pepper.
Hot peppers are one of the few spices that originally grew in the
Americas. Most other spices came from the Old World.
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