Different Kinds of Peppers

Chili peppers add flavor to many popular dishes, from hot chili to soups. The different kinds of peppers don’t just add flavor to culinary dishes; researchers are finding out that peppers have a number of health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, boosting metabolism, and clearing sinus congestion. Because peppers have been touted as a health food, numerous health claims have been made.

Currently, university science departments and research organizations, such as the American Association for Cancer Research, are studying the health benefits of peppers. Initial research indicates that peppers inhibit certain cancer cell growths. This is likely due to capsaicin found in peppers. Capsaicin is the major phytochemical found only in peppers, which gives them their strong tastes. Many people are familiar with jalapeno peppers, but different kinds of peppers add flavor to meals and provides health benefits.

Anaheim

These are the long red peppers found in the produce section of grocery stores. Also called California chili peppers, these long peppers are milder than most varieties of peppers. These peppers are slightly hotter than bell peppers and contain fiber, folate, and vitamin C. Their mild flavor makes them edible for people with digestive problems irritated by hot peppers. They can be eaten raw on salads or used to make Mexican cornbread.

Cherry

These different kinds of peppers get their name because their size and color resembles a cherry. The main difference it the stem common on many varieties of peppers. These peppers have a medium heat, stronger than an Anaheim but milder than jalapenos or Serrano peppers. Cherry peppers contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant that fights age enhancing free radicals.

Habanero

Habanero peppers are small but mighty in the pepper family because they are the hottest of the peppers, containing more capsaicin than any of the other peppers. These tiny fire crackers come in yellow, orange and red varieties. The high content of capsaicin makes Habanero peppers the top metabolism booster and sinus decongestant of the peppers. Because they are so hot, anyone who does not want to experience excessive watery eyes or nose runny should cook these peppers and keep a drink on hand. They season almost any dish with a sauce.

Poblano

Poblano pepper’s skin is multicolored, blending dark green and red. They look almost like a shriveling bell pepper. Poblano peppers have a mild heat level. They contain nutrients such as fiber, folate, and potassium, which support kidney function. The texture of these kinds of peppers skin make eating them raw unpleasant; however, their mild heat level makes them a good candidate for stuffed peppers.

Serrano

Serrano peppers look like tiny jalapeno peppers because of many of then have green skin. However, red variety of this pepper can be found. These peppers are hot, but not as mouth tingling as habeneros. In addition to capsaicin, these different kinds of peppers contain vitamins C, B6 and K. The vitamin content helps build the bodies immunity and facilitate the production of new red blood cells. Serrano peppers, sometime eaten raw, are used in guacamole and fajitas.

These different kinds of peppers add flavor to food while adding vitamins that provide numerous health benefits. Although there are numerous pepper supplements that claim to be just as good as the real things, adding these peppers to food is better than popping a pill. One word of caution: Don’t rub eyes when cooking or eating peppers, and wash hands thoroughly.