Chili peppers are an indispensable spice in many Vietnamese dishes. They can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, cooked with other ingredients to enhance flavors, or pickled with garlic, bamboo shoots, and vinegar as a side dish. In addition to the fruit, the leaves are also edible and can be cooked like any other vegetable. Chili leaves have a sweet taste with a slightly bitter aftertaste and a strong aroma, but they are not as spicy as the fruit. These leaves can be used to cook soup with shrimp or meat, which is believed to be nutritious and beneficial for people with diabetes.
There are many varieties of chili peppers, such as Thai chili, horn chili, and bird’s eye chili. Depending on the type, the size and spiciness of the fruit vary. Today, chili peppers are not only cultivated for their fruit but also as ornamental plants, adding a touch of vibrancy to homes. The plant stays green year-round and can bear fruit throughout all four seasons. Ripe chili peppers boast bright colors, ranging from orange, yellow to red.
Most ornamental chili peppers originate from the tropical regions of the Americas and belong to the Solanaceae family. Typically, chili plants can grow to a height of 30-60cm with multiple branches. The flowers are white and bloom singly in the leaf axils. The shape of the fruit also varies depending on the variety, but most chili peppers have an elongated shape.
Feng Shui Significance of Chili Plants
Despite their spicy taste, chili plants, according to Feng Shui beliefs, do not signify bitterness or adversity in life. Instead, the plump, vibrant fruits symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and abundant energy.
In folklore, chili plants are also believed to possess the power to ward off evil spirits, bringing peace, happiness, and abundance to the household.
Ideal Placement of Chili Plants
Chili plants hold positive Feng Shui significance and are relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal care and being resistant to pests and diseases. Homeowners can grow these plants for both decorative purposes and to purify the air, infusing the home with fresh energy.
Chili plants thrive in sunny environments, so the ideal location to grow them is in the front yard, garden, balcony, or rooftop. For indoor planting, opt for smaller potted chili plants and place them near windows to ensure they receive ample sunlight. Alternatively, take the plant outdoors for sun exposure daily.
This information is for reference only and is subject to individual interpretation.