Pick a Pepper

Chile peppers have long fascinated people and are thought to have been consumed by humans as far back as 7500BC. They originated in the Americas and once discovered by explorers quickly spread throughout the world. Chiles spread by many means ranging from European explorers and merchants to the Africans ensnared in the slave trade. As the chile peppers changed and evolved they became very important in local cuisines and assumed lofty places in the culture of many countries. Some cuisines are known for their use of peppers like Jamaican jerk seasonings, Mexican Chiles en Nogada, early American Creole, and the ever present Indian curries. Here is a look at 39 different chile peppers. Some, like the jalapeno, are well known and common while others are obscure and specific to their region. Some are mild like the Anaheim and some are so hot they are literally being used as weapons. Regardless of the properties, each one of these peppers plays an important part in at least one culture around the world. This book contains 90 full color pages with text and photographs of 39 different peppers. We hope you enjoy learning about all of these exciting peppers!