Diversity and Potency ofCapsicumspp. Grown in Indonesia

Abstract

Capsicum spp., popularly known as chili pepper, is abundantly cultivated in Indonesia. Chili pepper has deeply integrated into Indonesian culture, even turned into inseparable ingredients in the local diets. Adapted to the Indonesian environment and timely selected according to the local palate, vast variation of appearance, color, taste, aroma, and pungency of chili pepper transformed into a variety of cuisines and medicinal purposes. This chapter covers a selection of chili peppers in Indonesia, introduced as "commonly available in the market," and some other variants, which are less popular; however, due to their unique flavors, they will be interesting to be introduced and addressed as "exotic Capsicums." This chapter will describe their botanical information, distribution area, and nutritional and flavor aspects, including their bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the utilization of genus Capsicum in Indonesia, from the food industry, pharmaceutical, and ornamental plants, will be described.