What is the difference between chilies and peppers?

The terms "chilies" and "peppers" are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle distinction:

Peppers is the broader term, encompassing all plants belonging to the genus *Capsicum*. This includes a wide variety of species, each with its own unique flavor profile and heat level. Some examples include:

* Bell peppers

* Jalapenos

* Habaneros

* Cayenne peppers

* Chili peppers

Chilies, on the other hand, usually refers specifically to the fruits of *Capsicum* plants. These fruits are typically characterized by their pungent flavor and varying degrees of heat, which is measured using the Scoville scale.

In essence, all chilies are peppers, but not all peppers are chilies.

Here's a simple way to think about it:

* Pepper: The plant itself.

* Chili: The fruit of the pepper plant.

So, when someone says "chilies", they are usually referring to the spicy fruit of a pepper plant, while "peppers" can refer to both the plant and its fruit, regardless of its spiciness.