KENNESAW, GEORGIA--Residues from chili peppers have been found in pottery vessels estimated to be 2,000 years old. The vessels, discovered at the site of Chiapa de Corzo in southern Mexico, had a range of uses, including preparing beverages and condiments. “The significance of our study is that it is the first of its kind to detect ancient chili pepper residues from early Mixe-Zoquean pottery in Mexico,” said Terry Powis of Kennesaw State University. Further investigation could show how peppers were used in cooking, medicine, and rituals.