Chili pepper domestication

What was discovered

Selection of large-fruited, non-shattering varieties from wild chili pepper. It became the world's most widely used seasoning after reaching Asia and Europe.

Kraft et al. (2014) place the domestication in east-central Mexico, combining genetics, palaeobiolinguistics and ecology. Other species (C. baccatum, C. pubescens, C. chinense) were domesticated separately in South America.

What it led to

• the transformation of Asian, African and European cuisines in the 16th century
• a source of vitamin C and a preservative
• capsaicin as an analgesic drug

Links

Sources✓ verified 2026-09-23

• https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1308933111
• https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140421093925.htm