The First Prehispanic Chile (Capsicum) from the U.S. Southwest/Northwest Mexico and its Changing Use

Researchers have identified the first prehispanic cultivated chile (Capsicum annuum) seed from the U.S. Southwest and northwest Mexico, dating to the Medio period (A.D. 1200–1450). The carbonized seed, recovered near Casas Grandes in Chihuahua, challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of chile cultivation in the region. This discovery sheds light on its role among indigenous communities before Spanish contact and highlights a distinct prehispanic context for crop introductions compared to postcontact transformations. The study combines archaeological evidence with historical analysis to trace chile's evolving significance, offering new insights into its cultural and dietary impact.

Minnis, P. E., & Whalen, M. E. (2010). The First Prehispanic Chile (Capsicum) from the U.S. Southwest/Northwest Mexico and its Changing Use. American Antiquity, 75(2), 245–257. https://doi.org/10.7183/0002-7316.75.2.245