Capsicum

Capsicum is a genus of plants from the nightshade family (Solanaceae) native to the Americas. Some of the members of Capsicum are used as spices, vegetables, and medicines.

History Of Capsicum

Capsicum was cultivated for thousands of years by the people of the tropical Americas, and is now cultivated worldwide. They are commonly called chili pepper, capsicum, red or green pepper, or sweet pepper in Britain. Capsicum in Australian English and Indian English. The large mild form is called bell pepper in the US. The original Mexican term, chilli (now chile in Spanish) came from Nahuatl word chilli or xilli, referring to a huge Capsicum variety cultivated at least since 3000 BC, according to remains found in pottery from Puebla and Oaxaca.

Capsicum Nutrition Info

The nutritional breakdown of Capsicum is as follows: Fats: 9-17%, proteins: 12-15%, vitamin A and red carotenoids (capsanthin, carotene, lutein), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), B-complex vitamins, potassium: 2014 mg per 100 edible grams, rutin (flavonoid). Note: Capsicum’s red color is due in part to its very high content of vitamin A, which is vital for normal vision, cellular activity, growth and strong immune defenses.

Capsicum Health Benefits

Brightly colored capsicum, whether green, red, orange or yellow, are rich sources of some of the best nutrients available. To start, capsicum are excellent sources of vitamin C and vitamin A (through its concentration of carotenoids such as beta-carotene), two very powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants work together to effectively neutralize free radicals, which can travel through the body causing huge amounts of damage to cells.

Free radicals are major players in the build up of cholesterol in the arteries that leads to atherosclerosis and heart disease, the nerve and blood vessel damage seen in diabetes, the cloudy lenses of cataracts, the joint pain and damage seen in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and the wheezing and airway tightening of asthma. By providing these two potent free radical destroyers, capsicum may help prevent or reduce some of the symptoms of these conditions by shutting down the source of the problem.

Storing Capsicum

Capsicum should be stored in the refrigerator drawer. When storing a capsicum already cut into, wrap it in a paper towel. This absorbs the moisture and the capsicum lasts twice as long.

Capsicum Trivia

Ever wondered what the difference is between red and greencapsicum? Green capsicum is the least mature type and has a fresh ‘raw’ flavour. Red capsicum is basically a matured or ripened green capsicum and is distinctively sweeter. Yellow and orange capsicums are similar in taste to red capsicum, although not quite as sweet.

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