Born and raised in South America, chilis were the earliest crop domesticated in the continent and among the first items brought back to Europe by Columbus. Today people are really, really into them. Find out all about 'em in this classic episode.
# Stuff You Should Know Episode Summary
Chuck and Josh dive into the surprisingly complex world of chili peppers, exploring everything from their ancient origins in South America to why they became a global sensation after Columbus brought them to Europe. They break down how heat is actually measured using the Scoville scale, explain the surprising fact that birds are immune to capsaicin (while humans are oddly the only mammals that eat peppers on purpose), and introduce you to the surprisingly competitive and contentious community of pepper enthusiasts who are constantly battling over which pepper deserves the title of "world's hottest." Along the way, they cover different pepper varieties, health benefits, why those spicy fumes can wreak havoc on your kitchen, and even give you tips on growing your own peppers at home.
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