The cultivation of chili belongs to the Solanaceae family, it represents a line of great importance in the horticultural sector, because its fruits are highly appreciated in the national and international market, according to FAO the cultivated area of Capsicum in the world is around 1,914,685 hectares, with a production of 31,171,567 tons.
▶ Asia is the continent where this plant species is grown the most, with China (16,000,000 t), Turkey (2,072,132 t) and Indonesia (1,656,615 t) being the main producers, with yields ranging from 16 to 26 t.ha.1 In Latin America, the largest producers are Mexico (2,379,736 t) and the United States (1,064,800 t), followed by Argentina, Venezuela and Colombia (2,379,736 t) and the United States (1,064,800 t).
▶ Credits: moiranazzari – [Image of Public Domain]
Due to its extraordinary culinary properties, the chili bell pepper is a plant known and cultivated since ancient times by the inhabitants of South America.
The distribution of cultivated varieties of Capsicum chinense Jacq. starts in central Brazil (lat 10°S), passing through Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela, covering parts of the Caribbean islands and some Central American countries, and reaching Mexico.
▶ It was introduced in Europe in the 15th century, and its cultivation spread rapidly to countries in Asia and Africa. Its fruits have a wide popular use worldwide, given its great gastronomic potential and, although they are consumed raw in salads, they are mainly used as a condiment to enhance the aroma and flavor of stews and stir-fries.