Why are chili peppers hot?

[randy_byers]

A research group including people from the University of Washington have released a study indicating that the capsaicinoid chemicals that make peppers hot are a defense system against fungi that threaten the plants' seeds. Another interesting point of the study is that birds aren't put off by capsaicin and thus will swallow the seeds and deposit them elsewhere with a bit of fertilizer. Furthermore, the researchers argue that people started adding chilis to their food as a way of preserving it, much like salt was used initially. Chilis are yet another plant that originated in South America and have spread into cuisines around the world via Europe.

However, I will say that there's a bit to much pathetic fallacy in this article, such as, "The plant wants the right critter to eat the fruit." I'd say that what's fascinating about plants is that they evolve these intricate systems without actually having any wants!