Chilli Pepper Powder:
Chilli pepper (Capsicum spp.) is one of the most important vegetables in the world. It has a rapidly growing period of 90 to 150 days while some species like the Capsicum annum (bell pepper) are true perennials. Chilli originated from the Americas with their cultivars now grown around the world because they are widely used as food and medicine.

Pepper (Capsicum spp.Capsicum annum and Capsicum frutescens) is a crop plant grown extensively under rain-fed conditions with very high yields when the rainfall is about 600 to 1250 mm. Pepper (Capsicum spp.) fruits vary in shape, color, pungency and texture, with C. annuum var. annuum L. being the most widely cultivated. The fruits are an important vegetable crop for the fresh market and processed products. Chilli pepper does well in climate with temperatures ranging between 18 to 27°C during the day and between 15 to 18°C during the night.

Pepper is an important agricultural crop not only because of its economic importance but also due to the nutritional and medicinal value of its fruits as well as being an excellent source of natural colours and antioxidant compounds.

It is the world’s second important vegetable, ranking after tomatoes and it is the most produced type of spice flavouring and colouring for food while providing essential vitamins and minerals. The nutritional value of pepper merits special attention. It is a rich source of vitamins A and E. Both hot and sweet peppers contain more vitamin C to prevent flu colds than any other vegetable crop.

Consumption of pepper accounts for about 20% of the average vegetable consumption per person per day in Nigeria. It is used extensively in food flavouring in the daily diet of over 165 million Nigerians irrespective of their socio-economic status. It is used in the preparation of soup and stew, which are among the major essential complements of staple foods based on cereals and root crops and also forms remedies for toothache and sore throat.