Chilli is the dried ripe fruit of the genus capsicum. Capsicum annum is an annual subshrub, the
�owers of which are borne singly and fruits usually pendent, which provide red peppers, cayenne,
paprika, and chilies and sweet pepper (bell pepper) a mild form with large in �ated fruits. The
Capsicum fruit scene is a perennial chilly with small-sized pods which are highly pungent. It is
commonly known as 'bird chilly' and 'Tabasco'. Chilli is reported to be a native of South America and
is widely distributed in all tropical and subâ??tropical countries including India. It was first introduced in
India by the Portuguese towards the end of the 15th Century. Now it is grown all over the world
except in colder parts.
Dry chili is extensively used as a spice in curried dishes. It is also used as an ingredient in curry
powder and seasonings. Bird chilly is used in making hot sauces such as pepper sauce and
Tabasco sauce.
Paprika, Byadgichilly, Warangal chapatti, and similar high colorless pungent varieties are widely
used for color extraction. This color is highly popular among food and beverage processors for its
use as a colorant since this is a' natural plant color'.
As a medicine, it is used as a counter-irritant in Lumbago, Neuralgia, and Rheumatic disorders.
Capsicum has a tonic and carminative action. Taken inordinately it may cause gastroâ??enteritis. The
enzyme isolated from chilly is used in the treatment of certain types of cancers. Oleoresin capsicum
is used in pain balms and VapoRub. They dated green chilly is a good source of vitamin.
