History, Uses and Culture of Chaotian Chili

Chaotian Chili is a variety of chilli pepper which is characterised by upward growing, conical shaped fruits, high spiciness and a variety of colours, and is one of the common edible chilli peppers found throughout China. This article will introduce the history, uses and culture of Chaotian pepper from the following three aspects.

History of Capsicum annuum var. conoides
The scientific name of the morning glory is Capsicum annuum var. conoides, which is native to Peru and Mexico in South America and is a variety of the genus Capsicum. It was brought to Europe, Africa and Asia from its American origins during the Age of Sail and is now cultivated and distributed throughout the world. Chao Tian Chili was introduced into cultivation in China around the end of the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century, and first appeared in the "Compendium of Materia Medica" and other ancient books of material medica, and was known as "Chao Tian Pepper", "Small Pepper" and "Wang Tian Pepper". etc. Chaotian chili is cultivated all over China, especially in the south-western region, such as Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangxi and other provinces, and it is the main edible chilli for local people.
Uses of Chaotian Pepper
The main use of Chaotian pepper is as a flavouring and medicinal plant. Chaotian peppercorns can remove the fishy odour of various meats, increasing the aroma and taste, and can also be used to infuse wine, increasing its aroma and medicinal effects. Chaotian pepper is also an important raw material for processing pickled products such as kimchi and pickles. Capsaicin extracted from dried peppers is a natural pigment in cosmetics and food. Even the leaves of artichoke pepper can be processed into various kinds of small dishes, which are exported to Japan and South Korea and other places. Chilli paint made from capsaicin has strong anti-corrosion and anti-rust functions, etc., and can be used for aircraft, ships and other defence technology equipment.

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Chaotianjiao has a pungent, warm and slightly poisonous taste, which can warm the middle and disperse cold, remove dampness and relieve pain, kill insects and detoxification, etc. It is often used in the treatment of epigastric and abdominal cold and pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to think of food, rheumatism and cold paralysis, insect accumulation and abdominal pain, etc.Chaotian can also be used for external use, such as the use of Chaotian Chili powdered with vinegar and mixed, applied to the affected area, can treat skin sores, scabies, etc.

Culture of Chaotian Chili
As a kind of chilli pepper, Chaotian Chili is also a cultural symbol, which is closely related to the dietary habits and lifestyle of Chinese people. In the southwest of China, especially in Sichuan, the Chaotian Chili is an important part of the spicy flavour, and is paired with chilli peppers to create the unique flavour of spiciness, which is an important contribution of China to the world's food culture. The English name of Chaotian Chili is Sichuan Peppercorn or Sichuanese Peppercorn (i.e. "Sichuan Pepper") because of its importance in Sichuan cuisine.
In the Guangxi region of China, there is a kind of Chinese geographical indication product called Tianwaiting Finger Pepper, produced in Tianwaiting County, Chongzuo City. According to the local test, the capsaicin content of Tianwaiting Fingerling Pepper is 155 times higher than that of general chili peppers, and the heat content is 15 times higher than that of general chili peppers, which has the name of "the world's first spicy" in China. Tian et finger sky pepper is not only the staple food of local people, but also the pride of local people, a kind of life attitude and spiritual symbol of local people.

To sum up, Chaotian Chili is a variety of chilli pepper with a long history, wide range of uses and profound culture, which can not only increase the deliciousness of food, but also cure diseases and express the lifestyle and spirituality of Chinese people. It can be process to Dehydrated Chili products, like Dried Chili Whole, crushed Chili, Chili powder. The Chaotian Chili is an important embodiment of traditional Chinese culture and a unique contribution of China to the world.