History
The sweet pepper, also called vegetarian pepper, whose scientific name is Capsicum chinense, is a mild pepper belonging to the same family as hot peppers. Peppers in general originate from South America. They were introduced to Europeans by the Spanish, although they were originally endemic to the region of Mexico. At that time, peppers accompanied all Indigenous dishes, and they were used to make fruit juice to treat eye infections as well as flower poultices for wounds and injuries.
Around 1543, pepper was introduced to Europe as a condiment. It was later brought to the Caribbean and is now cultivated throughout the tropical regions of the world. As for the sweet pepper specifically, it has been grown in Martinique for more than a century. It is more recent than the other local pepper known as the Scotch bonnet (the spicy Capsicum chinense variety).
To distinguish them, note that the sweet pepper is much more elongated, while the hot pepper is rounder.
Varieties
There are five varieties of peppers and more than 1,200 species worldwide. The five varieties are:
- Capsicum annuum
- Capsicum baccatum
- Capsicum chinense
- Capsicum frutescens
- Capsicum pubescens
The sweet pepper belongs to the Capsicum chinense variety, the same species as the Scotch bonnet pepper, which is spicy.
The sweet pepper is a small berry about 3 cm long, with a thick pericarp (outer layer). These peppers are elongated and vary in color depending on their maturity. They can be green, yellow, orange, or red.
On the Scoville scale, created by Wilbur Scoville to classify peppers according to their capsaicin content, the compound responsible for heat, the sweet pepper ranks at the very bottom, between 100 and 500, whereas other peppers can exceed 100,000.
Medicinal properties
Peppers have numerous therapeutic benefits. They have antibacterial, choleretic (stimulating bile secretion), and anti‑cholesterol properties. They stimulate gastric activity and have vasculotropic effects similar to vitamin P. They inhibit certain liver enzymes and enhance the action of some medications.
Peppers also have decongestant properties.
Uses
The sweet pepper, known for its fragrant and flavorful taste, is used in the preparation of many sauces. It can accompany or replace hotter peppers for those who want aroma and flavor without heat. It is used in sauces and marinades for meat or fish, in fritters, Creole sauce, “chien” sauce, soups, mixed salads, and meat or fish stews.
Because of its sweet taste, it can also be candied or used to make ice cream, jam, or jelly.
