When Spanish explorers discovered the red peppers that are known today as cayenne peppers they could not have known how popular the pretty red fruits would become. Today, cayenne pepper is used in Asian, Mexican and Italian cuisine, they are used whole, as in the popular Szechuan cuisine of China, or they are dried and ground into the brilliant red powder commonly added to salsas, guacamoles and marinades. Frequently, cayenne pepper is used in dishes containing eggs, such as omelets or deviled eggs. But, cayenne peppers are also known for their medicinal properties and are commonly used to help in circulatory problems, digestive troubles, to ease the pain of arthritis and even help relieve some symptoms of the common cold! This ancient fruit is delicious in the kitchen and good for the body.