Hot stuff has the right stuff
According to the Department of Agriculture, Americans are eating 38% more chili peppers than they were in 1996. Per capita, Americans eat more chili peppers (5.9 pounds) than asparagus (1.3 pounds), cauliflower (2.2 pounds), or green peas (3.3 pounds).
Even without these statistics, it's been obvious that chili peppers have caught on. Every day seems to bring a new variety of salsa to the supermarket shelf. Chips and salsa, which most Americans used to eat only in Mexican restaurants, are a mainstream snack, as unremarkable as potato chips or crackers.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
