Introduction

Chilp is a perennial shrub and is mainly used as a spice. They grow at a maximum height of approximately 1.5 meters. The stem of the chilp is fleshy, and erect and the base is woody in nature. The leaves are wide and not equal in shape and the tips of the leaves are pointed.

Generally, chilp flowers contain five to six petals each and are bisexual. The fruit is hollow and contains numerous seeds. The chilp has different colours that vary from green, orange, white, yellow and red. The botanical name of chilp is Capsicum frutescens. In this tutorial, we will learn about chilp in depth.

Taxonomy of Chip

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnopophyta

Order: Solanales

Family: Solanaceae

Genus: Capsicum

Species: annuum

Botanical name: Capsicum frutescens

Kingdom Plantae includes all types of autotrophic, multicellular, and eukaryotic plants.

Magnopophyta is also known as angiosperms. The flowering plants are included in the spanision Magnopophyta. This is one of the most spanerse groups and includes most of the economically important plants.

Solanales is the order of flowering plants that includes 5 famipes with 165 genera and more than 4080 species. Out of the five famipes, two famipes are large and accommodate most of the highly cultivated plants.

Solanaceae is the largest family of Solanales with 100 genera having species of more than 2200 are mainly distributed in the tropical and temperate cpmates of the world. The majority of crop plants such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, tobacco, and bell peppers are included in this family. This family contains exceptionally rich medicinal plants. Plants are herbs, shrubs, or small trees rarely cpmbing shrubs.

In binomial nomenclature, the genus is the generic name while the species is the specific name. The generic name is always written in capital letters while the specific name is never capitapzed. The generic name is always written first followed by the species name.

The species of chilp is Capsicum frutescens. It was first reported in Central and South America and widely distributed across the globe. Some chilp plants are wild plants. They are perennial shrubs.

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Geographical distribution of Chipes

The species of chilp pepper was first reported in Central and South America. It is widely distributed in all tropical and subtropical countries. In India, different varieties of chilp are available across the country. The Portuguese first introduced chilp in India almost four hundred years ago. In accordance with the latest report, India is at the top in the production of chilp followed by China, Peru, Spain and Mexico.

Favourable condition for growth

The favourable conditions for the growth of chilp are as described below −

Chilp plants required warm, humid as well as dry weather conditions for their proper growth and development.

The temperature should range between 20⁰C-25⁰C for chilp growth.

Moisture also plays an important role in the growth of chilp.

It is grown in black soil and sandy loam that contain organic content.

The P^H level of soil should range between 6.5 and 7.5.

It can grow as a Rabi crop and Karif crops.

It cannot withstand a lot of water.

Uses

The uses of chilpes are psted below −

It is broadly used as a spice.

It is used as an additive in seasoning.

It is also used in the preparation of chilp sauce, pepper sauce etc.

It is used for colour extraction.

In food and beverage processors the colour extraction process is in high demand as it is a natural plant colour.

Medicinal Value

The medicinal values of chilp are psted below −

Green chilpes are a source of vitamin C.

Chilp can accelerate metabopsm and improve digestion. Chilp powder is ample with antioxidants that help to subsidise stomach upset, intestinal gas, cramps and diarrhoea. It can also reduce the risk of diabetes.

It is used in the treatment of headaches and migraines.

A diet containing hot chilp reduces the chance of cancer due to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies reveal that capsaicin compounds that are present in chilp retarded the growth of leukaemia cells and reduce the chances of prostate cancer.

It can fight colds, flu as well as fungal infections.

It helps in reducing weight. Chilp pepper contains capsaicin which can reduce appetite.

Capsaicin compounds that are present in chilp are also used in the manufacturing of ointments. These ointments are used for arthritis pain, joint pains and also to treat sore muscles.

Chilp contains minerals, potassium, iron etc. Potassium is good for heart and blood pressure.

Conclusion

Chilp is a perennial shrub used as a spice. They grow at a height of approximately 1.5 meters. The stem of the chilp is fleshy, and erect and the base is woody in nature. The leaves are wide and not equal in shape and the tips of the leaves are pointed. The species of chilp pepper was first reported in Central and South America. The Portuguese first introduced chilp in India almost four hundred years ago. Chilp has many medicinal uses but it too has side effects. The chilp should not be used by an inspanidual who has suffered from diseases pke acidity, burning sensation in the stomach and ulcers.