The chili pepper also known as Red Chillies is the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum which are members of the nightshade family. Chili peppers are widely used in many cuisines as a spice to add heat to dishes. There is nothing as widely used and relied upon as cayenne pepper, to transform a mundane everyday-dish to a hot and spicy showstopper, especially in India. While the laal mirch (red chilli powder) in the circular masala-boxes at home, is only one of the many variants of cayenne pepper consumed in the different parts of our country, this condiment has been around for quite some time and is popular all over the world. It has different names and is available in different forms (fresh, dried, canned or powdered), and celebrated for much more than its role in the kitchen.