Capsicum

A small-fruited variety of Chilli-pepper, Hu-chiao IMG:p95_20.png:Chinese characters or Capsicum frutescens, is commonly cultivated as a speciality of Ssijch'uan, while both the long and round forms of C. annuum are cultivated in many parts of China, where they are the most important relish used, being eaten in the green state, fried with vegetables. When ripe they are pounded in a mortar and with water added form a sauce. They are also roasted for use as a seasoning, or boiled in oil to impart to it their pungent flavour. Oil so treated will keep for an indefinite period. This oil is named la-yu IMG:p95_21.png:Chinese characters Wilson: A Naturalist in W. China.