The chili pepper (also chili pepper) is the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, members of the nightshade family. Chili pepper pods, which are berries, are used fresh or dried. Chilies are dried to preserve them for long periods of time or may also be done by pickling. Dried chilies are often ground into powders, although many Mexican dishes use the entire chili. Dried whole chilies may be reconstituted before grinding to a paste.