Capsicum anuum (Capsicum anuum)

Other names: paprika annual

Capsicum annuum, also known as annual pepper, is a plant belonging to the aubergine family. It is the most widely grown and consumed pepper species worldwide. It can vary in shape and colour, from small and round to pointed and oblong, and from bright green or yellow to deep red and even purple. In its dried form, it is known as cayenne or jalapeno, for example.

It is widely used in food production, but also has a place in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. It is an important part of many cuisines, especially those of the Mediterranean and Mexico. It is an essential ingredient in many spice mixtures, including Hungarian goulash and chilli seasoning. Paprika is also used to make paprika powder, an important ingredient in some traditional recipes. It can also be used as a natural colouring agent in food processing. In the cosmetics industry, it is used to obtain an extract which is added to skin and hair care products. It is also used medicinally, for example in ointments and gels for rheumatic and muscular pains, thanks to its capsaicin content, which gives paprika its characteristic hot taste.