In portugese, black pepper is called “pimenta do reino” , “pepper of the kingdom.” Chili peppers are called “pimentas”.
Now here is my theory. Chili peppers became the pepper corns of poor people. Black pepper/pimenta do reino was the spice of the rich, especially the king and royalty.
After chilis were discover in the Americas, poor classes of people could have spice in their food. It wasn’t real pepper, but it was close enough.
So black pepper was the “real” royal pepper, chilis were a cheep alternative to black pepper.
I was watching a show about chilis. Then I speak a little bit of Portuguese. I made the connection. Interesting.
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