As The Nibble correctly observes:
“Chile pepper” is a misnomer, and the term “pepper” is not used in Latin America.
Unfortunately for me, I am one of those people who have been using the term “chili pepper” without caring how terribly incorrect the phrase is and even while knowing that the chili and the pepper are two different plant species. But the nice thing about learning is that mistakes don’t have to be repeated. Henceforth, if I mean chili, I’ll say chili. And if I mean pepper, I’ll say pepper. No more references to the non-existent chili pepper.
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Chicharritos: Microwavable chicharron pellets
i’m one of those who grew up with ‘chili pepper’ referring to chili…with conviction pa. wow mali pala! :D now i know, too! thanks for sharing what you’ve learned. now i won’t repeat the same mistake again, too.
“with conviction pa”
LOL Me too hahahaha
I am always confused when the recipe calls for “siling Haba.” I tried looking for that silie here in Canada, but could not find it. Is siling haba not too spicy. What is the difference between siling haba and finger chili. Have a nice day. I seem to be having problemss with the question mark on my keyboard. sorry.
It is finger chili. Not as spicy as bird’s eye.
I’ve seen some British sources refer to chili peppers/bell peppers as “capsicums,” from the genus name, which seems very reasonable.
If they were a New World plant, like tomatoes and potatoes, does that mean that Thai cuisine, known for its chilis, used black pepper or Szechuan peppercorns before Columbus’ voyage?
Most Asian cuisines have used black pepper for centuries (Szechuan or Sichuan peppercorns are not real peppercorns and they are not hot despite the tingling sensation created inside the mouth). I think it’s possible that Thai cuisine (largely Buddhist before foreign trade) might not have even been distinctively spicy at all prior to the introduction of chilis by Portuguese missionaries in the 17th century.
Arab and Indian traders brought Islam and Buddhism/Hinduism (respectively) to Thailand and the rest of southeast Asia, together with other spices. India does fall under the category of “New World” — that is, countries “discovered” by Europeans.
Perhaps the Europeans introduced the cultivation of chilis in large quantities (as in plantations to suit large European demand); perhaps chilis were just another backyard crop for locals then.
Just my guess…
According to Western history (biased, of course), it was the Europeans that introduced chilis to India.
Thank you for this article. We linked to you on our website! Much love,
The Chile Bros.