Simmer

Download Episode Today we’re diving into the story of one of the most versatile fruits that has made its mark on countless cuisines around the world - the chili pepper. And yes, I said fruit. I’m not sure how the chili pepper escaped the heated fruit or vegetable debate that tomatoes are so famous for causing, but like the tomato, chilies may be treated like vegetables but are indeed the fruits of flowering plants. So where did chilies get their start, and how and when did they spread to become one of the most commonly used ingredients in the world? Today on Simmer - stick around as we unpack the story of the mighty chili pepper. Chili peppers come in hundreds of varieties, from smoky chipotle to flaming hot habaneros, sweet bell peppers and tiny but heat packed bird’s eye chiles. Other chilies you may have never heard of include wrinkle 273, the wonder hot, and mundu - all of which are types of red chilies produced in India. Speaking of India, chili peppers seem right at home in all sorts of asian cuisine, w