Even though chilly is strongly associated with Mexican Cuisine it has become a part of culinary traditions of countries around the globe. Richly coloured dried chilly is used in North Indian and Central Indian dishes. The chilly shrub is one of the five species of genus Capsicum that is extensively cultivated. Lal Mirch or Capsicum annum L Capsicum frutescens L (scientific name) of the family named Solanaceae is regarded as one of the fieriest in taste and intensely aromatic in smell of all spices.

Chilly is responsible for the absorption of fats, proteins and carbohydrates of our food items and improves our digestive system and smooth functioning of our respiratory system. It is also rich in Vitamin C and contains small amounts of vitamins A, B1 and E.