Chili Powder

Native to Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands, chile peppers have been cultivated for thousands of years. Columbus took plants back to Spain and the Spaniards named them pimiento (pepper) because of their pungency. Ground chili powder is made from dried chile peppers and mixed with other dried spices to make a pungent, earthy blend that can be used to flavor many dishes, including the chili con carne popular in the American Southwest, and many Central and South American recipes.