Cayenne pepper, also known as red pepper, is a type of chili pepper that is commonly used as a spice in many cuisines around the world. It is named after the city of Cayenne in French Guiana, but is now cultivated in many parts of the world, including Mexico, India, and China.

Cayenne pepper is known for its spicy and pungent flavor, which comes from a compound called capsaicin. This compound is also responsible for the heat sensation that cayenne pepper produces in the mouth. In addition to its culinary uses, cayenne pepper has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including arthritis, digestive issues, and sore throats.

Growing cayenne pepper requires a warm climate, as it is a tropical plant that thrives in temperatures between 60 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be grown in containers or in the ground, and requires well-draining soil and regular watering. Cayenne pepper plants can grow up to 3 feet tall and produce small, thin-skinned peppers that turn from green to red when fully ripe. The peppers can be harvested when they are fully red and used fresh or dried and ground into a powder.