Does a peppers color change by heat?

The color of a pepper is determined by its pigmentation, which is genetically determined. The heat level, measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), is also genetically determined and unrelated to the pepper's color.

Here's why:

* Pigmentation: Peppers contain pigments like capsanthin (red), carotenoids (yellow), and chlorophyll (green). These pigments are present in the pepper's skin from the time it starts growing.

* Heat: Heat is produced by a chemical called capsaicin. The amount of capsaicin in a pepper is genetically determined and doesn't change with heat.

However, heat can influence the pepper's appearance in other ways:

* Roasting: Roasting a pepper can darken its color due to caramelization.

* Drying: Drying peppers can concentrate their pigments, making them appear more intense.

In summary, a pepper's color is determined by its genetics, while its heat level is determined by its capsaicin content. These are both separate characteristics that are not affected by heat.