Origins of the Bean & Chili Plants

South-of-the-border cuisine often includes chili peppers and beans.

Mexican food often includes beans of some type and food made hot and spicy due to chili peppers. Both of these plants are believed to have originated in Central and South America, making them staples of the cuisines from that region.

Origin of Beans

Purdue University's website reports that the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) originated in Mesoamerica. Pre-Columbian residents of this region cultivated beans as an important protein source. Several varieties existed. Kidney beans, scarlet runner beans, tepary beans, lima beans and botil beans were grown and served as important food sources.

Origin of Chili Peppers

Christopher Columbus is said to have discovered chili peppers during his explorations in the New World. As long ago as 7500 B.C., ancient peoples of Mesoamerica cultivated about 25 different species of this plant.

Introduction and Spread

Portuguese and Spanish traders helped to spread kidney and other beans to Europe, Africa and Asia in the 1600s. Today, the many varieties of beans grow around the world with the top producers being India, China, Brazil, Indonesia and the United States. Portuguese and Spanish explorers also introduced chili peppers during the same era, where they quickly became staples of the cuisines of many cultures. Chili peppers today are as common a seasoning agent as black pepper.

References

• The Chile Man: Chile Origins
• Uncle Steve's Hot Stuff: Chile Pepper History
• Purdue University: Beans
• The World's Healthiest Foods: Kidney Beans