Chilli in Sanskrit and English
Chilli is called Lanka, Katuveera, Pittakarini in Sanskrit. Its binomial name is Capsicum annuum. Chilli belongs to Plantae kingdom and Solanaceae family. Chilli is known as Mirch in Hindi. In American English, it is chili while in British English it is chilli. The most popular chillies in India are from North East and Kashmir. Chilli contains capsaicin which makes it bitter, sharp and hot. Oil can be extracted from dried red chilli. Chilli is used to make stuffed chillies for pickles, sauces, pastes, and chilli pakora. It provides a hot taste to foods in almost all cuisines. Chilli has medicinal benefits too.
About Ginger, Brinjal, and Capsicum
Ginger is called jinjar in Sanskrit. Brinjal is called vṛntāka in Sanskrit. It is aubergine or eggplant in English. Beringa originated from the Sanskrit word vātiga-gama meaning eggplant. Capsicum annuum is an annual sub-shrub that provides red peppers, cayenne, paprika, and chillies. Capsicum frutescens is a perennial chilli with very pungent small pods. Good chili doesn’t require meat, contrary to popular belief. Chili peppers originated in Mexico and spread across the world after the Columbian Exchange. Chili peppers are fruits, not vegetables. Banana is technically an herb, not a fruit or vegetable.