Archaeological Chili Peppers from Guila Naquitz Cave (IMAGE)

Smithsonian

Archaeological Chili Peppers from Guila Naquitz Cave

Caption

These chili peppers from the Guila Naquitz cave in Oaxaca Mexico date to between A.D. 490 and 780, and represent two cultivars or cultivated types. A Smithsonian scientist analyzed the chili pepper remains and determined that Pre-Columbian inhabitants of the region hundreds of years ago enjoyed a spicy fare similar to Mexican cuisine today.

Credit

Linda Perry, Smithsonian Institution

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