Everything you didn't know, and should know, about chili

Chili is one of the pillars of our gastronomy, along with beans and corn, it has been consumed since pre-Hispanic times and to this day is a staple on our table. The great variety allows us to prepare many sauces and stews that give many facets to Mexican cuisine, and even though we owe so much to this ingredient, we don't know much about its benefits and virtues. That's why today we tell you everything you didn't know, and should know, about chili. What is it? Chili is a fruit, just like an apple or a strawberry, and it comes from a plant species called capsicum. Its name comes from the Nahuatl word chīlli, although it is also known as ají in South America and as pepper in Spain due to its spiciness being similar to that of black pepper. Types Chilies are divided into five families: Capsicum annuum: árbol chili, chiltepín, jalapeño, etc. Capsicum baccatum: ají escabeche and South American. Capsicum chinense: this is the family of habaneros. Capsicum frutescens: includes the chili used in Tabasco sauce. Capsicum pubescens: South American rocotos and Mexican manzanos. 7 facts you didn't know about chili One of the first Europeans to discover chili was Christopher Columbus, and he was the one who named it pepper Some of the best creams for acne are made from chili extract When farmers in tropical areas want to keep animals like elephants away, they spray their crops with chili juice to deter them Japanese samurai ate chilies before their battles to control pain and feel brave and invincible Even though it hurts, we also enjoy chili as it gives us pleasure by releasing endorphins in our body when we eat it, just like when we exercise Chili extract fights prostate cancer, herpes, and diabetes Chili is the most consumed ingredient on Earth after salt Benefits No other edible ingredient has as much vitamin C as chili, making it excellent for the respiratory system They are full of antioxidants, which help delay cellular aging They contain many minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and iron, making them good for muscles and bones They have analgesic properties, helping with tooth and muscle pain Their vitamins and antioxidants promise to protect the body against degenerative diseases like cancer Recipes Here are some delicious and spicy preparations for you to enjoy at home with family: Ribs in Chipotle Sauce Chicken Breasts in Pasilla Chili Abalone Carpaccio with Chipotle Little Potatoes with Tree Chili Mexican Green Sauce