Cayenne Herb - History and Information

The origin of the cayenne herb is shrouded in contradictory accounts in the annals of documented history of where it was first grown, whether it is Greek, Roman, Persian, Indian or Chinese history and their ancient literature.

Hence, it is assumed that the spicy cayenne pepper originated in the Americas, more specifically the banks of the Amazon river in South America.

Cayenne peppers have been cultivated for centuries in the Americas, to be specific, in South and Central America as well as the West Indies. Spanish explorers first came by these fascinating peppers and were astonished to see Native Americans eat the spicy cayenne peppers like regular fruit, since the spiciness should have set their palates afire!!

Cayenne pepper has been used as a cooking ingredient as well as a medicinal herb for several hundred years and, like its history and origin, it's also difficult to gauge whether it grew wild, since it has been cultivated / domesticated for the very same reasons. Despite the mystery that surrounds the origin and history of the cayenne herb, we today enjoy this pungent, spicy pepper for its flavor, color and, above all, its natural cayenne pepper healing benefits.

The cayenne herb is grown in tropical and sub-tropical climates and is a hollow fruit ranging in color from red, orange and yellow as it ripens in the tropical sun. As a food item, it is ingested either raw or cooked, is generally powdered after rigorous drying, and has been perennially used down the ages in cooking and herbal remedies / medicines.

It is clear that the medicinal and health benefits of cayenne pepper as well as the health secrets of cayenne have been known for centuries. More information on the health benefits of cayenne pepper is covered in the other articles.

The cayenne herb carries the botanical name Capsicum frutescens and also is known by other names according to location and culture, as varied as cayenne, Red Bird Pepper, Devil's Tongue, Cockspur Pepper, Goat's Pepper, African Pepper and Hot Flame.

The cayenne plant can be identified as a little shrub that grows to about 3 to 4 feet in height. The shrubby plants have smooth surfaces that reflect the light and appear shiny. The leaves are green in color and the flowers turn into elongated oval pods that eventually become peppers.

These pods contain a number of minuscule pungent-tasting seeds. These pods are prized for their highly aromatic and spicy flavor and are used as a cooking ingredient for the very same reasons. As the peppers mature and ripen in the sun, they change color and mostly turn a resplendent red when ready for picking.

A last piece of information - cayenne is also used for its decorative and aesthetic value on wreaths, swags and kitchen doors.

Cayenne Pages | Cayenne Herb - History and Information | How to Use the Herb Cayenne to Obtain The Benefits | Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper | Cayenne Pepper and Heart Health | Cayenne Health Benefits - Research and Studies | Side Effects, Caution and Contraindications of Cayenne

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