Around the world today chile peppers are eaten as a fresh vegetable or in their dehydrated form as a spice, and their uses have become as diverse as their colors and shapes. Chiles have been used as currency, spice, vegetable, ornaments and many other things including medicine. Below and in the anatomy movie (right) you will find just some information and facts about chile peppers.

A teaspoon of red chile powder meets the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin A. Vitamin A plays an important role in vision and bone growth.

A green chile pod has as much Vitamin C as 6 oranges.

Chile peppers may help prevent the growth of certain cancers.

Chile peppers are good sources of Iron, Potassium and Dietary Fiber.

Aids in many skin conditions including psoriasis, itching and bruising.

Some cultures put chile powder in their shoes to keep their feet warm.

Information provided by Paul Bosland, Chile Breeder @ NMSU.

Click on each word for details of chile pepper anatomy.