Capsicum refers to the genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family, whose fruits are commonly known as peppers, including sweet bell peppers and chili peppers. While botanically a fruit, it’s used culinarily as a vegetable and is native to the Americas. It is rich in nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants, and the compound capsaicin in hotter varieties is used for its pain-relieving properties

Culinary uses

1. Vegetable: Commonly used in curries, stir-fries, and salads, adding color and flavor. In India, it’s known as “Shimla Mirch”.
2. Fruit: It is used to make many Indo-Chinese dishes like chilli paneer or vegetable Manchurian.
3. Stuffing: It can be stuffed with fillings, often a mixture of vegetables, cheese, or meat, and then baked.
4. Spice: In its hotter varieties, such as chili peppers, it is used to add heat and flavor to various dishes.