Capsicum (Capsicum annuum)

Capsicums are part of the nightshade family and are from the same species that produces cayenne or chilli peppers. Technically, although we use them as a vegetable, capsicums are actually a fruit, and they are believed to have originated in South America. Christopher Columbus is credited with introducing the capsicum to Europe from where it spread to Africa and Asia. Today, capsicum is a favourite food the world over, and for very good reason.

Healing capsicum

It was from capsicum that scientist Albert Szent-Györgyi was first able to isolate the compound vitamin C in usable quantities.

For a long time it was known that citrus like oranges, lemons and limes could prevent scurvy, which