It’s hard to deny the popularity of the chile pepper (Capsicum annuum). This fiery fruit originated in Mexico thousands of years ago. Over the past few centuries, it’s become an indispensable ingredient in cuisines around the world.
Today, Asian-Pacific countries dominate the hot pepper market, but there’s a growing devotion in the West. too. A global shortage of a popular brand of Sriracha hot sauce in 2023 reportedly led some Sriracha fans to pay as much as $150 for a bottle that usually costs $5.
