Red Chili Pepper History Variety Heat
Red Chili pepper (Lal Mirch) arrived in India during 16th century replacing Pippali. Chili is hotter and easier to grow than Pippali
Peppers in India before Chili Pepper
In India, two types of pepper existed before the arrival of Chili pepper: Black Pepper, and Pippali. Black pepper was called round pepper, and Pippali was called the long pepper. The Pippali appears as small tiny little berries (about the size of poppy seeds) on a cob. The size of dried Pippali spike is similar to dried Cayenne pepper
During the sixteenth century, Chili and Pippali were both used interchangeably. It was easier to grow Chili peppers, so the Pippali became less available. Nowadays, chili pepper has completely replaced the Pippali in normal cooking except for some specialty items such as pickles
Origin Of Chili Pepper
Chili pepper is native of tropical South America. In 1492, Columbus found chili peppers in West Indies. Columbus thought this was another variety of black pepper. The original name used by Columbus for these peppers was "Aji", a variation of "Axi" (Aztek). The name Chili originated from Nahuatil (Aztec) where Chile was referred to "Red". This name has died out in United States (because of a "State Of Texas" dish called Chili), but remains in use in UK, Australia and most of Asia. In India its name is literal derivative Lal (Red/Chile) Mirch (Pepper).
Portuguese traders introduced Chili pepper to India during 16th century. "Vindaloo" still remains one of the hottest dish prepared in Goa using chili pepper, an old Portuguese colony in India. India is the largest consumer, producer and exporter of Chili pepper.
At present, there are four types of Chili pepper used in India; namely, Lal Mirch, Hari Mirch (Fresh Lal Mirch), Degi Mirch (Paprika) and Simla Mirch( Sweet Bell Pepper). In last few years India claims to have discovered the most pungent pepper in the world called Naga Jolokiai. Details are unknown. It is hard to believe if such a pepper can be used in cooking.
The Chili plant belongs to genus Capsicum and reaches a height of about three feet, with white flowers, resulting in a fruit of varied color and pungency (heat).