Hot peppers are from the Solonaceae family, species Capiscum chinense, green when unripe, and red, yellow or orange when ripe, 2-6 cm long and 3 cm wide. The word for the genus Capiscum comes from the Greek word kapto, which means to bite. On the Scoville scale, they are rated at 100,000-350,000 heat units. They originate from Central and South America, and are named after the Cuban city of La Habana. Mexico is the largest consumer of this pepper, but due to its specific taste and aroma, it is increasingly popular throughout the world as a food and medicine.
It is a perennial plant and can live for many years in containers at the appropriate temperature. It grows to a height of 1-5 meters with medium-sized green and wrinkled leaves. When in bloom, the flowers are white to greenish with a purple interior.
It is rich in vitamin A, potassium, magnesium and iron, and is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates the immune system and accelerates metabolism (burning calories).
