Science Vs
Presenting Gastropod: How Chilis Conquered the World
Nov 25, 2021
Join Nicola Twilley and Cynthia Graber, co-hosts of Gastropod, alongside culinary historian Maricel Presilla and chili researcher Denise Kuhn. They explore why we crave spicy foods despite the heat. Discover chili peppers’ fascinating origins and their evolutionary journey. Find out about the unique flavors of various chili species and the science behind their burn. Learn how peppers traveled the globe, influencing cuisines, and hear about the rise of super hot varieties and their cultural impact.
50:51
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Quick takeaways
- Chili peppers evolved to produce capsaicin, deterring mammals while allowing birds to disperse their seeds, ensuring survival and spread.
- The introduction of chili peppers to Europe by Columbus transformed culinary practices, leading to their integration into diverse global cuisines.
Deep dives
The Origins of Chili Peppers
Chili peppers trace their origins to South America, evolving from a common ancestor shared with tomatoes approximately 20 million years ago. To ensure their survival, these peppers developed capsaicin, an alkaloid that creates a painful sensation for mammals, deterring them from consuming the seeds. Conversely, birds are unaffected by capsaicin and play a crucial role in the propagation of chili plants, as they can eat the seeds and disperse them without destroying them. This evolutionary adaptation allowed chili peppers to flourish and spread beyond their native regions.
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