At the end of the 15th century, after Columbus arrived in the Americas, he brought chili peppers back to Europe, from where they spread to the rest of the world. After that, due to health concerns, Europeans did not eat chili peppers much. But in recent years, with the popularity of Asian food in Europe and in-depth research into the nutritional value of chili peppers, they have once again become a delicacy on European tables. A wide variety of chili peppers in Europe
Europe has a wide variety of chili peppers, big and small, red and yellow, long and round, and even edible chili peppers that can also be used for decoration, such as "rose peppers." Some supermarkets set up large signs next to their vegetable stands with a thermometer drawn on them, labeling the peppers by their spiciness, with the redder ones being hotter, making it clear at a glance. According to data from the European Flavors and Fragrances Association, the daily per capita consumption of chili peppers in Europe reaches nearly 100 grams. Eating chili peppers raw is the healthiest
Europeans also eat chili peppers in many different ways. Making chili pepper sauce to accompany meals is the most common method, so no matter the meal, a chili pepper sauce is on the European table. At the same time, they also like to sprinkle a handful of red chili flakes on various dishes, or add green and red chili peppers when cooking, and even the soup they drink is spicy.
Pickled chili peppers are a favorite in Europe. Green chili peppers paired with carrots and onions look very appetizing. Eating some pickled chili peppers during a meal both stimulates the appetite and cuts through the grease. Now, even in various parts of Europe, pickled chili peppers are sold in hamburgers.
However, Europeans, who advocate for a natural lifestyle, prefer to eat chili peppers raw. They either eat them fresh or add them to salads as a side dish. This practice is endorsed by European nutritionists because eating chili peppers raw is most beneficial to the body. Since the vitamin C in chili peppers is unstable, it is easily lost if stored for too long or cooked for too long, and eating them raw can preserve their nutritional value to the greatest extent. Therefore, chili peppers should always be added just before the dish is finished cooking to avoid nutrient loss. Chili peppers can be used to make weight-loss drinks
In Europe, chili peppers are also known as "red medicine," and research findings on them are endless. European researchers have recently discovered: chili peppers can prevent and treat breast cancer; capsaicin can induce prostate cancer cells to "commit suicide"; chili peppers can alleviate cold symptoms; they can also prevent arteriosclerosis; and eating chili peppers regularly can help with sleep. To cater to the trend of losing weight by eating chili peppers, many beverage companies are competing to make new spicy drinks with chili peppers as an ingredient. Some pharmaceutical companies have also utilized the pain-relieving properties of chili peppers to develop chili pepper rheumatism plasters.
Of course, the most attractive reason for Europeans to eat spicy food is that it can delay human aging. German scientists have found that red chili peppers contain a large amount of antioxidants that can prevent free radicals from damaging the skin, and free radicals are the main cause of premature skin aging and skin cancer, which is much more effective than taking large amounts of supplements. However, experts also point out that chili peppers are pungent and irritating and should not be consumed in excess, otherwise they will not only damage a person's taste nerves but also affect liver and kidney function.