Where did chili powder originate?

Chili powder, as we know it today, is a blend of spices that originated in Mexico.

Here's a breakdown:

* The Chili Pepper: The key ingredient, the chili pepper, was first domesticated in Mexico, specifically in the region of Oaxaca and Puebla. It then spread throughout the Americas, with different varieties and uses developing in various regions.

* The Spice Blend: The combination of chili peppers with other spices like cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and others, to create chili powder, is a Mexican innovation. This combination was used to flavor traditional Mexican dishes and sauces.

While the exact origin of specific chili powder blends is difficult to pin down, it's safe to say that the concept and foundation of this spice mixture originated in Mexico.