Chili peppers, or Capsicum annuum, are the hot-tasting fruits of Capsicum pepper plants. They are related to bell peppers and tomatoes because they come from the same family. There are many different kinds of chili peppers, like cayenne and jalapeo.

Chili peppers are mostly used as a spice. They can be cooked or dried and ground into a powder. Paprika is made from ground red chili peppers. Capsaicin is the main bioactive plant compound in chili peppers. It gives them their unique, hot taste and many of their health benefits.

Chili peppers are popular because their hot flavor can make any meal taste better. Still, chili peppers are more than just a little bit of heat. Chili peppers are mostly used as a spice, and you can either cook them or grind them up and dry them.