Where Do Chillies Come From ?
Chili’s have been a part of the human diet since 7500 BC and became an important part of the Olmec civilization around 1000 BC. An advanced civilization that began in Tabasco and Southern Mexico. Their farming knowledge paved the way for various ancient civilizations there after.
Why Were Chillies So Important To The Ancient Mayans ?
Like corn, chili’s are deeply revered and it was a part of life and death rituals for the Tzotzil Maya people . To ward of evil spirits, chili pods would be rubbed on a baby’s lips and burned during the funeral rites of viejos meaning old ones.
For breakfast, the ancient Mayans would eat ground maize with chili peppers known as Pozole or Atole.
Ancho and pasilla are two common chili’s used in pipians (sauce made primarily from pumpkin seeds) and moles (sauce made from various seeds and ingredients).
Chili was added to every part of their diet, including their chocolate and alcoholic beverages.
The introduction of chili spread through the Portuguese as they navigated the world by sea. Exploring the coast of North & West Africa, India, Arabia, China & Japan between 1498 to 1549.
Are Chillies Healthy ?
Recent studies, have shown that chillies may reduce the risks of a heart attack or stroke by 44%. This study included monitoring patients over an 8 year period, where they found a lower mortality rate in people who consumed chilies 4 times a week. This study was published by the American College of Cardiology.
To read more abut this study, please click on the link below to read an in-depth article published by the British Heart Foundation : Will eating chilli peppers reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke? – BHF
How Did Chillies Spread To The Rest Of The World?
Christopher Columbus went on a voyage in 1492, in search of Asia. Instead, he found the Americas which went on to be known as the New world. On his return from his second voyage, Columbus brought with chili specimens.
After Columbus came back with a ship load of New World specimens, the Chili Pepper became popular. Venice was Europe's central hub for spices and international trade. It was through these trade routes that Chili slowly spread through Europe.
Vasco da Gama, was a Portuguese explorer who was the first European to reach India by sea. Chili first scorched the bay of Goa on the 11th of September 1524 & reached the northern parts of India through the forming of allegiance. The Spaniards traded in Asia simultaneously, spreading the Chili trade in China, Japan, and Indonesia.
Chili first made its way to North & Western Africa from the New World in the early 15th century by Portuguese navigators.
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