Pepper vs. Chili - What are the Differences?
Pepper (Black Pepper)
- Comes from dried berries (Piper nigrum).
- Brings sharp, pungent heat from a compound called piperine.
- Common in seasoning shakers worldwide.
Chili (Chili Pepper)
- Comes from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum family.
- Packs fiery heat from capsaicin.
- Found fresh, dried, or powdered — and central to hot sauces.
Key Difference: They’re not even close in plant family — the “pepper” in chili pepper is a naming coincidence from early explorers.