Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Chili Peppers
Nutritional Value (per 100g)
- Vitamin C: 143.7mg (240% DV) - boosts immunity and skin health
- Vitamin A: 952 IU (19% DV) - essential for vision and immune function
- Capsaicin: The compound that gives heat and health benefits
- Fiber: 1.5g (6% DV) - supports digestion
- Iron: 1.2mg (7% DV) - important for blood health
- Potassium: 322mg (9% DV) - regulates blood pressure
Health Benefits
- ✔ Pain Relief: Capsaicin has natural pain-relieving properties
- ✔ Metabolism Boost: May increase calorie burning by up to 50 calories per meal
- ✔ Heart Health: Can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- ✔ Anti-Inflammatory: Contains powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation
- ✔ Mood Enhancement: Triggers endorphin release for natural "high"
Scoville Scale Tip: Heat levels vary dramatically - from mild bell peppers (0 SHU) to Carolina Reaper (2.2 million SHU)!
How to Grow Chili Peppers
1
Variety Selection
- Mild: Poblano, Anaheim, Cherry peppers
- Medium: Jalapeño, Serrano, Cayenne
- Hot: Habanero, Scotch Bonnet, Thai chili
- Super Hot: Ghost Pepper, Carolina Reaper
2
Starting Seeds
- Timing: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost
- Temperature: Needs warm soil (75-85°F) for germination
- Method: Plant 1/4" deep in seed starting mix
3
Transplanting
- When: After danger of frost, when soil is warm
- Spacing: 18-24 inches apart in full sun location
- Soil: Well-draining, pH 6.0-6.8, enriched with compost
4
Care & Maintenance
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer early, then higher potassium when flowering
- Support: Stake plants as they grow taller
5
Pest Management
- Common Pests: Aphids, spider mites, pepper weevils
- Solutions: Neem oil, insecticidal soap, companion planting
6
Harvesting
- When: Typically 60-90 days after transplanting
- Method: Cut with scissors to avoid damaging plant
- Tip: Most peppers can be harvested green or wait for full color
Pro Tip: The more you harvest, the more the plant will produce!
Summary: Choose variety → Start seeds → Transplant → Care for plants → Manage pests → Harvest and enjoy!
Chili Pepper Growing Guide
Growing Peppers Is So Much Easier When You Understand This
Fiery Chili Pepper Recipes
Explore these spicy dishes featuring chili peppers from around the world.
Click on the images for recipes that will ignite your taste buds!
Spicy Recipe Tutorials
Quickly master the art of chili cooking through videos together.