The mighty capsicums

An important part of the diets of millions of people worldwide, capsicums also boast stunning colours that brighten up gardens

- Bill Kerr

Capsicums include peppers, chillies, and paprika, and they come in a number of different varieties, shapes, and sizes. They are also consumed by people from many cultures around the world.

Capsicums are part of the Solanaceae family, commonly known as nightshades, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, brinjals, and many weeds, and they originate in South America. Many species grow in their native habitat, of which just five were selected by locals for culinary use. These have since given rise to numerous cultivated varieties.

In 1492, explorer Christopher Columbus, upon discovering the capsicums cultivated by the locals in South America, took some back to Europe, where they became a sensation. Until then, Europeans used only pepper to add a hot, pungent flavour to food, so this was something new and exciting for them.