A “scorching” celebration that praises the chile pepper in New York City

Americas Now

New York’s annual Chile Pepper Festival is a “hot” time on the town that salutes one of the Americas’ most celebrated spices.

Chile Peppers originated in Mexico over 6,000 years ago and are one of the oldest crops in the Americas. Not only were they a big part of cooking, the Aztecs and Mayans used them as currency and traded them for goods and services as well. When explorer Christopher Columbus discovered them he brought them back to Europe and started a chile pepper craze.

Today, more than 25% of the world’s population consumes chile peppers… every day.

One country where chile peppers are especially popular is … China. They were first brought to the nation in the 1400’s by traders from Spain. They’re a staple in the country’s Hunan and Sichuan cuisine. And a main ingredient in one of China’s most popular meals “Hotpot.”

Take a look at our Urban Voice on New York’s Annual Chile Pepper Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.