Peppers have been cultivated since about 7000 B.C. in the New World. After 1492 A.D. the secret was out! Within the next 100 years almost every country in the known world had their own favorite variety and name for it. At this time about 3000 varieties and cultivars of peppers are known, and most of these are derived from three species of pepper. Imagine how many more are possible if some of the other species of pepper (Capsicum) are reintroduced to the world.
Unfortunately, most of these species are growing in South America and may become extinct in their natural habitats. Pepper lovers of the world should join in the effort to preserve natural tracts of habitat, and aid in the dispersal of seeds to hobbyists throughout the world, so that the germ plasms of these under-utilized species will not be lost forever! |
