Capsicum is a perennial plant belonging to the solanaceae family and used as a spice, vegetable and medicine. It is also known as Capsicum Pepper, Chile Pepper in different countries. An oleoresin is obtained by solvent extraction of the plant.


Forms of Capsicum

• Fresh
• Dried and processed into flakes or powder
• Extracts

Varieties of Capsicum Pepper
There are numerous varieties of capsicum spice being grown in different parts of the world. These varieties differ in size, color, spiciness and hence are used in different products. Some of the popular varieties used as a spice and condiments are:

• Paprika (C. annuum)
• Jalapeno
• Chipotle

Trade in Capsicum Spice
Global Scenario
Capsicum pepper is classified commercially according to the concentration of capsaicinoids, mainly capsaicin content in the fruit. The plant is popularly cultivated in United States and parts of Europe. North America, Spain are one of the largest capsicum producing countries. Chile, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Israel, Morocco and Mexico are the major capsicum producing countries.

Indian Scenario
India is one of the largest capsicum annuum producing country in term of volume. It exports capsicum to a number of countries including Gulf Countries, UK, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore.

Uses of Capsicum Spices
Capsicum spices varieties are used in fresh or dried form, whole, ground or flakes, and alone or in combination with other flavoring agents. The plant is popularly used to manufacture selected commercial products for their color and pungency. Capsicum spices and capsicum pepper is used to make chilli flakes, chilly powder, hot chilly sauce. The capsicum spice is also used in products like tabasco, tabasco sauce, and other red chili pepper. Fruits of capsicum are also used as natural food coloring agent. It is used primarily in the flavoring of garnishes, pickles, meats, barbecue sauces, ketchup, cheese, snack food.

Capsium spices is said to be a carminative, digestive irritant, stimulant, rubefacient and tonic. The plants have also been used in traditional medicinal system for curing dropsy, colic, diarrhea, asthma, arthritis, muscle cramps and toothache.