12 History

The chile pepper is very well known around the world for its hot, spicy, flavorful taste. It has a significant role in Afro-Mexican culture, rooting itself from the forced migration of enslaved Africans to Mexico. The enslaved people brought with them their culinary, and medicinal traditions that incorporated the chile pepper onto their diet and healing practices. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the chile pepper was readily available for use, consequently  becoming a staple ingredient in Afro-Mexican dishes. Chiles were used to add flavor, heat and a unique cultural touch to Afro-Mexican dishes. Today, there are different types of chiles used for different purposes, whether it’s to heal or to add flavor, it has become the number one ingredient used in the kitchen.