Capsicum annum

Capsicum annum

Plant | Capsicum annum | Capsicum annuum, Chile de Arbol (commonly known as the Mississippi sport pepper) is a domesticated species of the plant genus Capsicum native to southern North America and northern South America.

The three species C. annuum, C. frutescens and C. chinense all evolved from a single common ancestor located somewhere in the northwest Brazil - Colombia area. This species is the most common and extensively cultivated of the five domesticated capiscums.

Ever since, English doctor turned botanist Robert Morrison described 33 species of Chile peppers in his study, 'Plantarum Historiae Universalis Oxonniensis', published in 1680, there has been much argument and debate amongst botanists and taxonomists as to the number and classification of Capsicum species.

Capsicum annum (green)

Sweet peppers are very often used as a bulking agent in cheap ready made meals/take-away food as they are cheap, have a strong flavour, and are colorful. The colorful aspect of peppers increases the visual appeal of the food, making it more appetizing. Foods containing peppers, especially chili peppers, often have a strong aftertaste this is due to the presence of capsinoids in peppers. Capsaicin, a chemical found in chili peppers, creates a burning sensation once ingested which can last for several hours after ingestion.

This species is the most common and extensively cultivated of the five domesticated species and includes the Ancho, Bell Pepper, Cayenne, Cherry, Cuban, De Arbol, Jalapeno, Mirasol, Ornamental, New Mexican, Paprika, Pimiento, Pequin, Serrano, Squash and Wax pod types. Annuum's used to be dividend into two categories, sweet (or mild) peppers and hot Chile peppers. However, modern plant breeding has removed that distinction as hot bell varieties and sweet Jalapenos have now been bred.