Chili pepper

Chili pepper is a vernacular name since it designates 5 different species of plants of the genus capsicum. Chili pepper is part of the solanaceae family. The cultivation of chili pepper is very ancient, to the point that its exact origin is unknown, although it is believed that chili pepper originated in Bolivia. It was Christopher Columbus who introduced chili pepper to Europe, upon returning from his first voyage to America. Possessing numerous medicinal virtues, chili pepper is mainly known for its culinary use. In perfumery, chili pepper essences are obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and dried unripe berries.

Chili pepper, a very powerful spicy scent

Chili pepper is the most consumed spice in the world. Its smell is certainly spicy, but very powerful, close to that of black pepper. Chili pepper gives depth to compositions, but it also highlights more volatile notes such as citrus or floral notes. It is therefore mainly found as a heart note. As an excellent fixative, chili pepper amplifies certain fragrances among the top or base notes. Chili pepper, like other spices, is mainly present in oriental perfumes. A very beautiful tribute was paid to it through the perfume Piment Brûlant by l’Artisan Parfumeur. Here, chili pepper and chocolate are positioned as heart notes. Suave, rounded and spicy, Piment Brûlant is a fiery elixir… Seduction is within reach.

Chili pepper and its association with other fragrances

Due to its power, the association of chili pepper with other olfactory families is not straightforward. Chili pepper is part of very beautiful compositions, masculine or feminine, but mostly oriental perfumes, such as Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior, or Opium by Yves Saint Laurent. However, chili pepper can be discovered in woody compositions such as Pour Monsieur by Pierre Cardin. Here, chili pepper, still as a heart note, is accompanied by musk, patchouli and vanilla as base notes, which brings a warm sensuality to the perfume. Chili pepper as a top note in a woody-floral perfume creates a surprise in the perfume Soir de Lune by Sisley. Here, after a fresh opening thanks to lemon, mandarin and bergamot, the heart is wonderfully floral with mimosa, iris, jasmine, lily of the valley and rose… A powerful, unconventional perfume that invites you to a very particular moonlight.

Chili pepper is a spice whose origin is uncertain, so far back does it date. Its scent is spicy, but its fragrance is very powerful. This is why chili pepper is mainly incorporated into oriental perfumes. There, it offers its full power, but also its surprising warmth. Even though chili pepper is part of very beautiful perfumes, it is rarely used with other fragrances. It is nevertheless present in woody, floral or gourmand perfumes.