chili knowledge
Chili, the hot berry.
Many of us love spicy food and are constantly on the hunt for the ultimate kick of spice. The feeling when your eyes start to water and the first beads of sweat form on your tingling scalp is downright addictive. Once you're a chili junkie, you constantly need harder stuff - because your palate quickly gets used to the pain.
Why do we love spiciness?
But why do so many people love the burning sensation in their mouth? The fact is: spiciness is healthy and makes you happy. The sensation of pain on the tongue triggers an endorphin kick - the brain releases happiness hormones. Chilies also contain lots of vitamins (A, B1 and C). But spiciness is really a matter of getting used to. Inexperienced spicy eaters should definitely try this spicy pleasure slowly.
What makes chili hot?
It is assumed that the chili developed its spiciness (capsaicin) to protect itself from predators. This is mainly found in the septa. The chili tries to drive away mammals and humans in this way. It is also astonishing that birds do not have receptors to sense this spiciness. This is important because the birds are supposed to distribute the seeds. The amount of this substance therefore determines the spiciness of a chili.