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Capsicum refers to the fruit of the tropical pepper plant. Capsicum is typically called chili pepper, bell pepper and sweet pepper in different part of the world. It is mainly used as a spice, vegetable or medicine. Capsicum has a firm texture, pungent flavor and it comes in yellow, green and red colors. Mainly, capsicum is used to give flavor to the dishes such as capsicum chicken, stuffed capsicum, and chili capsicum potato and capsicum onion pizza. Capsicum dishes can either be served as snacks or as main dishes also.
Origin of Capsicum
Americans in tropical regions have been cultivating the species of capsicum for thousands of years back. Hence, capsicum is considered to be the native of America. Capsicums are also found in the regions of India, China, Europe, Mexico and Spain.
Culinary Use of Capsicum
Capsicum is the most preferred flavoring vegetable in many dishes in international cuisine. It can be used raw or cooked. The capsicum can be dried and powdered to use as a spice in various dishes. The seeds of the capsicum are also dried and used as pepper; this pepper is popularly known as ‘paprika’. Leaves of capsicum are a very rare ingredient but they are basically cooked as ’potherb’. Many dishes such as salads and salsas include chopped capsicum. They can also be preserved in form of jams and pickles. Pickled capsicum is mainly used in sandwiches or salads. Frozen pepper is used in soups and stews. Capsicum extract is also a very common ingredient incorporated in various hot sauces. The pod-like structure of capsicum is ideal for stuffing with fillings of potato, cheese and rice.
Preferred Methods for Cooking Capsicum
Capsicum has varied uses in cooking and numerous methods are used to incorporate its chili flavor in several dishes. Here is the list of methods that can be used to include capsicum while cooking:
• Stir-fried – Most of the main capsicum dishes include stir-fried capsicums along with other ingredients such as chicken, vegetables and sauces.
• Stuffed – Capsicum is the best vegetable to be stuffed. Stuffed capsicum dishes make an ideal side dish in any meal.
• Roasted – Roasted capsicum slices can be easily added to any dish to increase the flavor.
• Pickled – Pickled capsicum is used as a sandwich and pizza toppings. Salads also include pickled capsicum.
• Dried – Capsicum seeds are dried to make ‘paprika’.
• Freezed – Chopped or sliced capsicum can be freezed and added as a flavoring agent in soups and stews.
Cuisines Commonly Making Capsicum Dishes
Capsicum or ‘chili pepper’ was a very important ingredient in the National cuisine of Ethiopia, in 19th century. Ethiopian cuisine mainly consists of spicy vegetables and meats and makes extensive use of capsicum or pepper. According to a poll in 2005, people in Britain voted capsicum as the ‘4th favorite vegetable’ in cooking. Shopska salata (salad including fried capsicum) and traditional tomato and capsicum dip ‘lyutenitsa’ are the popular Bulgarian capsicum dishes that are well-liked in other cuisines also. ‘Ajvar’ and ‘torshi’ are also the Serbian and Middle Eastern capsicum dishes that hold an important place in global cuisine. Apart from these countries, capsicum recipes are popular in US, Canada, China, Macedonia and India as well.
Nutritive Value of Capsicum
Capsicum is not only a vegetable that gives taste but it is stacked with the nutrients that can help you get rid of common ailments. Here are the health benefits that capsicum and capsicum dishes can provide:
• Capsicum promotes cardio-vascular health by helping lower blood pressure.
• Rich in vitamin A and C, capsicum is full of anti-oxidant properties, which combat cataract, bronchial asthma and osteoarthritis.
• Capsicum also prevents cancer.
• Studies suggest that vitamin C in capsicum also prevents blood clotting.
• Capsaicin in capsicum prevents food-borne bacteria from affecting the body.
• It also treats any pain associated with herpes.
Capsicum Consumption Criteria
Though capsicum dishes are good source of vitamins and other nutrients but due to its hot and spicy flavor the consumption of capsicum should be limited. Huge consumption of chili peppers may lead to stomach cancer. No proved hazards are associated with capsicum but the sap of some species of capsicum can cause skin blisters.
Buying and Storing of Capsicum
Capsicum is a readily available vegetable at any grocery store. Like other vegetables, it should also be purchased with careful examination. Always buy firm and fresh looking capsicum. Bright colored and bruise free capsicum is an ideal buy. One more thing that should be kept in mind is the weight of the capsicum. Heavy weight capsicum means more seeds inside as compared to the flesh.
Store capsicum or any pepper in refrigerator without wrapping. Leftover capsicum dishes can also be stored in refrigerator for not more than 2-3 days.
Types of Capsicum
There are 25-27 species of capsicum are existed but only five of them are used for domestic or cooking purposes. Major varieties of capsicum are as follows:
• Capsicum Annuum – This variety includes cayenne, paprika, bell pepper and jalapeno.
• Capsicum baccatum – The aji pepper is the member of this species of capsicum.
• Capsicum Chinese – Habaneras pepper is the member of this variety.
• Capsicum frutescens – Tabasco pepper comes under this variety.
• Capsicum pubescens – Rocoto pepper is the main member for this variety of capsicum.
Capsicum :Trivia
• Capsicum has higher vitamin C content than any citrus fruit.
• Spanish paprika has a sweet taste rather than having hot and chili flavor.
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