There is no conclusion yet as to how chili pepper came to China. But according to written records, the liberal use of the seasoning occurred in Guizhou during the Qing Dynasty (1636—1912). Chili pepper was later grown as a vegetable in Guizhou, Hunan, Sichuan and Jiangxi.
Dried pepper can be used as a seasoning. The coming of chili pepper caused a revolution in Chinese food.
Studies show that regions on the northern latitude 38 degree line are fit for growing chili peppers, and are where the majority of chili pepper eaters can be found. The countries include Cuba, the United States, Mexico, China, Republic of Korea, Italy, Spain and Egypt. South American countries also have a strong preference for the chili pepper.
Currently, China's annual chili pepper output is more than 28 million tons, accounting for 46 percent of the world's total. It is said that the hottest pepper in China grows in Simao, Yunnan province, and is called the Xiaomi pepper.
There is a big debate over which province has the spiciest food. Local people believe that eating pepper can help them adapt to the humid and cold weather in winter.
In the north, there are also many pepper lovers. Beijing has many Sichuan and Hunan restaurants. But the food served there is often altered to cater to Beijingers' taste.
Pepper is a must for many residents in Northeast China and Northwest China. Guangdong has the least spicy cuisines in China. The people living there prefer fresh and light taste flavors to spicy food.
