Jalapeños, Habaneros, Chipotles, Anchos, Guajillos, Serranos, Piquins


Chili peppers hide the seeds of joy inside a jolting burn. Hot peppers are like that: After the initial shock of heat comes a release of endorphins, and after the pain, your body is suddenly alive, sparkling, bright. Your eyes tear, you cough, you choke, you cannot believe what you have put in your mouth, you are on fire, and then you are flooded with happiness. This is why Mexican, Indian, and Thai food cheers people. 

Photograph source: Irving Penn; Content source: Vogue Magazine