Description

Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens, C. annum) is a stimulating herb that is well known for its pungent taste and

smell. Cayenne is a popular spice used in many different regional styles of cooking, but it has also been used medicinally for thousands of years.

The name cayenne is derived from a Tupi word, "kyinha." The cayenne plant produces long red peppers and grows to a height of 2–6 ft (0.5–2 m). The plant is native to tropical areas of America and is cultivated throughout the world in tropic and subtropic climate zones. Most of the United States' cayenne supply is imported from India and Africa.

Cayenne is a member of the genus Capsicum. Other species of this genus include Tabasco peppers, African peppers, Mexican chili peppers, bell peppers, pimentoes, paprikas, and bird peppers. Cayenne is often referred to as chili, which is the Aztec name for cayenne pepper.

The...