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Why Do We Have Black Pepper and Chili Peppers? Is There a Connection? Yes -- World Conquest, Wishful Thinking and False Advertising

Why is it that we have two distinct kinds of pepper or peppers?

One the one hand it the all-important black flakes that appear with every meal from the fanciest 5-star restaurants down to the greasy burgers and fries in a take-out bag.  

On the other is the entire family of pepper pods -- that range from the sweet bell peppers to the incendiary habaneroes.

Why are these two completely different foods both called "pepper?"

Actually, it's not a random coincidence and the answer is more interesting than you might imagine.  

The History of Pepper

Okay, it's not as interesting as this weeks CSI or Brad and Jennifer's weekly drama -- but it is a fascinating story (especially if you are a foodie.  Or geek.)  

The story of the naming of peppers (the pod kind) is one of global conquest, wishful thinking and false advertising.

To understand this you must know about the history of pepper (the black powder kind.)

Black Pepper was the First World-wide Commodity

Black pepper originated in the mountains of Southern India and made it's way to Europe almost 2,000 years ago.

Europeans very quickly fell madly in love with the taste.  So great was the love and desire for the spice, that entire cities were built with the money that changed hands as it traveled the spice-route from India to Europe.  Family fortunes were created that are still around today.    

And new worlds were discovered looking for faster, cheaper ways to get the goods to the consumers.  Columbus was looking for a route to India when he bumped headlong into the Americas.

Which is where he discovered...

No Pepper

Pepper does not grow native in the New World.  But several plants unknown to the Old World do.  Tomatoes, Chocolate, Corn and, of course, peppers.

Okay, that's the world conquest and wishful thinking part.  Now comes the false advertising.  When Chris and the explorers that came after 1492 didn't find pepper (the black powder kind) to take back to Europe, the decided to do the next best thing -- sorta.  They dried pods of the native plants (the pepper pods -- are you still with me?) and called it "Jamaican Pepper."

It makes sense from a financial point of view -- they couldn't go home empty handed -- and a bit from a culinary point of view -- both powders are hot to the taste.

Well, the name stuck and eventually the name came to mean the plant and the fresh pod, not just the powder.

They are more properly called "Chilies", by the way.

About the Author

I hope you enjoyed those facts. I am AW Thomas and I love hot foods and spicy cooking.

If you do too, check out my new website and find yourself a really cool Hanging Spice Rack for your kitchen.  Yes, it's all about the kitchen spice rack. There is more to them than you think and choosing the right design for your kitchen and your style of cooking can turn a dreaded task into a daily pleasure.

Okay, maybe that's a bit much -- but really, check out the cool designs and the best offers today.

http://kitchenspicerack.org/Hanging-Spice-Rack.html

How can I make cappuccino in my Black and Decker Home Cafe?

I bought a Black and Decker Home Cafe machine that uses coffee pods. On the box it says you can make skinny lattes and cappuccino with it. I can't seem to find any coffee pods that make these. Does anyone know if there are any available?

well look in local stores. you may have to go to stores like Whole Foods. If none has any check online for online suppliers.

Drop Pods (Black templar army)