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Arnold
Lara MThe Wonderful Chilli
July 10th 2006 10:30
History of the Chilli
Surprisingly, chilli is not native to India and greater Asia but became popular there after having been introduced from the Americas. Apparently the misconception occurred when Columbus arrived in America and believed it to be Indian (Hence the native people today are now known as Indians). Similarly, he believed it to be a variety of pepper, which is also erroneous.
The chilli and capsicum plant is indigenous to the South America region, where they are found naturally. Scientists believe that the plant has been cultured by prehistoric people 8000 years ago. When the Spanish and Portugeuse invade South America around the fifteenth century they brought the chilli to Europe and generally spread the use of the spice, which became very popular in Spain and was often used as a substitute for the peppercorn which was used in European cuisine.
Fast Facts
sb=0 " target="_blank">1. Eating chillies speeds up your metabolism which aids weight loss. Capsaicin is the chemical in chilli which makes it hot. It also speeds up the body's metabolism so that eating a meal of chilli burns an increased number of calories quickly
2. Capsaicin is also a fast-acting vasodilator that widens the blood vessels. This enhances blood circulation and therefore increases body temperature.
3. The pain caused by capsaicin stimulates the brain to produce endorphins, natural opioids which act as analgesics and produce a sense of well-being. Psychologist Paul Rozin suggests that eating chiles is an example of a "constrained risk" like riding a roller coaster, in which extreme sensations like pain and fear can be enjoyed because individuals know that these sensations are not actually harmful.
bid=106" target="_blank">4. Chillies are considered a very good source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is beneficial for the prevention and reduction of viral infections, and it improves and preserves your eyesight. The levels of Vitamin A in chillies varies according to different varieties but if it is dried and red it usually contains a higher level.
5. Chillies also contain a host of assorted goodness including Chillies have vitamin B6, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, magnesium and iron.
The chilli is frequently used in:
Chilli Con carne
Curries
Chilli powder
Paprika powder
Laksa
Stir Fry
Chilli Cutney
Salamies
Tabasco sauce
sambal
Sweet Chilli sauce
Salsa
Curry paste
Trivia:
The International rock band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers was formerly known as Tony Flow And The Miraculously Majestic Masters Of Mayhem. But the name was too long to be well known, so they decided to change it to the name of this remarkable spice.
Thai people consume more chilli than the members of any other country.
The International Chili Society includes a database of local chilli cooking competitions across the United States of America and lists the recent champions.
The Byron Bay Chilli Company website provides loads of creative chilli recipes absolutely free.
Accepted spellings: chilli, chili, chile
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