Capsicum vs. Pepper: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 6, 2023
Capsicum refers to bell or chili peppers, while pepper can mean the capsicum family or the spice from Piper nigrum.
Key Differences
Capsicum is the scientific genus encompassing various types of peppers, including bell peppers and chili peppers, known for their distinctive flavor and heat profile. Peppers are a diverse group of spices and vegetables that range in flavor from sweet to extremely hot, including black, white, and green peppercorns.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
The word capsicum is often used in countries outside of the United States to refer to bell peppers and is associated with the mild, sweet variety of the plant. In contrast, pepper in the culinary context usually refers to the ground spice derived from the dried fruit of the Piper nigrum plant and is characterized by its pungent flavor and sharp heat.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Capsicums are part of the nightshade family and are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C and A, and can be eaten raw or cooked. The term pepper can refer to the capsicum vegetables or the unrelated Piper species, which are dried and used as a spice; these include black pepper, which is a staple seasoning in many cuisines around the world.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
When discussing capsicum, one might be referring to the colorful vegetables that are stuffed, roasted, or used in salads. However, when using the term pepper, it might relate to either the vegetable types, including hot chilies, or the black pepper spice used to season dishes.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
In horticulture, capsicum plants are perennial shrubs that can grow in a variety of climates, while black pepper is a climbing vine requiring tropical conditions. The culinary uses of capsicum are broad, featuring in many dishes worldwide, whereas pepper is used as a seasoning and is one of the most common spices.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Types
Bell peppers, chili peppers
Black, white, green peppercorns, bell peppers
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Culinary Use
Eaten raw or cooked, in various dishes
Primarily used as a seasoning
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Global Usage
Called capsicum in Commonwealth countries
Called pepper in most countries
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
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Capsicum and Pepper Definitions
Capsicum
The fruit of a plant from the nightshade family, varying in color and size.
She added red capsicum to the salad for a pop of color.
Huma Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Pepper
The fruit of any of these plants, used whole or ground as a condiment or spice.
The recipe called for freshly ground pepper.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Capsicum
A vegetable commonly used in cooking, also known as bell pepper.
I stuffed the capsicum with rice and meat for dinner.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Pepper
Any of various tropical plants belonging to the genus Piper, especially the black, white, and green peppercorns.
Black pepper is derived from the unripe fruit of the Piper nigrum.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Capsicum
A genus of flowering plants known for producing fruits with a range of heat.
The green capsicum is milder compared to the red one.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
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Pepper
A pungent hot-tasting powder prepared from dried and ground peppercorns, used as a spice or condiment to flavor food.
She seasoned the soup with a pinch of black pepper.
Huma Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Capsicum
Any of the various tropical American plants yielding peppers.
Capsicum thrives in warm climates with plenty of sunlight.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Pepper
Capsicum vegetables, including bell peppers and chili peppers, used in cooking for flavor.
He diced the pepper and tossed it into the stir-fry.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Capsicum
A mild or pungent spice obtained from the fruits of certain plants.
He sprinkled some ground capsicum over the dish for extra heat.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Pepper
To sprinkle or season with ground pepper.
He peppered his eggs generously, adding to the flavor.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Capsicum
Any of various tropical American pepper plants of the genus Capsicum, especially any of the numerous cultivated forms of the species C. annuum and C. frutescens.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2022
Pepper
A perennial climbing vine (Piper nigrum) native to India, widely cultivated for its long slender spikes of small fruit.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2022
Capsicum
The fruit of any of these plants, especially the dried pungent types used as a condiment and in medicine.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2022
Pepper
A pungent black or white spice produced from the dried fruit of this plant, used as a condiment.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2022
FAQs
What is capsicum?
Capsicum is a genus of plants that includes bell peppers and chili peppers.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Are capsicums hot in flavor?
Capsicums can range from sweet (bell peppers) to very hot (chili peppers).
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
How is pepper used in cooking?
Pepper is often used ground as a seasoning to add heat and flavor to dishes.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
What does pepper refer to?
Pepper can refer to the spice from Piper nigrum or vegetables from the Capsicum genus.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Is the heat level the same in all capsicum varieties?
No, the heat level varies widely among different capsicum species.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Is black pepper the same as capsicum?
No, black pepper is a spice from the Piper nigrum plant, while capsicum is a vegetable.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Are green peppers the same as capsicum?
Green peppers are a type of capsicum.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Can pepper be grown in any climate?
Pepper, specifically black pepper, requires a tropical climate to grow.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Is white pepper different from black pepper?
White pepper comes from the same plant as black pepper but is processed differently.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Can capsicum plants be grown at home?
Yes, capsicum plants can be grown in home gardens if the climate is suitable.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
How should pepper be stored?
Pepper should be stored in a cool, dark place, ideally in an airtight container.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Where does black pepper come from?
Black pepper comes from the dried berries of the Piper nigrum vine.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Can you cook with whole peppercorns?
Yes, whole peppercorns can be used in cooking for flavor and are often ground before serving.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Can pepper lose its flavor over time?
Yes, pepper can lose its flavor and potency if exposed to air and light for extended periods.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Is capsicum good for health?
Capsicum is rich in vitamins and considered healthy when included in a balanced diet.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
What are the health benefits of pepper?
Pepper has antioxidant properties and can aid in digestion.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
Do all countries use the term capsicum?
No, some countries use the term bell pepper or simply pepper.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
Is capsicum an annual or perennial plant?
Capsicum plants are perennial in tropical climates but often grown as annuals in temperate regions.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Are capsicums only red?
No, capsicums come in various colors including red, green, yellow, and orange.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
