Science Of Spiciness: Why Is Chili Pepper ‘Spicy’? This Is The Scientific Reason Behind It

More than 25 percent of the world’s population eats chilies daily. People must use pepper powder in the dishes they cook. Due to this, the dishes are tasty and spicy too. Capsicum is one of the most widely used spices in the world. It is used in many dishes. Sometimes eaten as a special dish. But do you know the science behind chili’s spiciness? Why does chili have a pungent taste? Why does burning occur after eating? What to do to reduce inflammation? Let’s know all the details of this special story..

A striking example is the multidisciplinary science of chili pepper pungency. Over the past several decade many researchers have provided highly specialized, desirable specific information. More than 3 million tons of chilies are produced annually in the world market. It has a turnover of four billion dollars.

Chili invention.

Chili was unknown to most of the world until Christopher Columbus discovered the New World in 1492. According to many theories.. Chili is said to have come from many parts of South America. The phylogenetic analysis found that they belong to a region along the Andes from west to northwestern South America. Back then there were small red, round, berry-like fruits.

6 thousand years ago

The earliest evidence of it being part of the human diet dates back to 6,000 years ago in Mexico and northern Central America. Chili peppers reached Europe in the 16th century. Currently, there are five species of chili. Capsicum anum, C. chinense, C. frutescens, C. baccatum, C. pubescens. Contains New Mexican jalapeños and bell peppers. The most commonly cultivated species are. Habaneros, Scotch Bonnets. Related to chance.

Why are chilies spicy?

This inflammation is caused by the capsaicin present in chili peppers. Capsaicin stimulates the TRPV1 receptors in our mouth when we eat spicy food. Triggers a response. The purpose of TRPV1 receptors is to detect chemoreception. That means they can prevent us from consuming irritating foods. When TRPV1 receptors are activated by capsaicin, the sensation we feel is associated with the sensation of warmth around the boiling point of water. However, this pain is not caused by a deceptive malfunction of our nerve receptors. Spicy food is not really ‘hot’ at all, researchers say.

Not all chilies are the same.

The spiciness will vary depending on the type of chili you eat. Pharmacist Wilbur Scoville invented a device to measure the spiciness of peppers in 1912. Measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), this device is based on the capsaicinoid sensitivity experienced by people who eat chili peppers. Carolina peppers are at the bottom of the standard Scoville scale. Each one is different.

The hottest chili in the world is the Carolina Reaper. Its spiciness is up to 22 lakh units. Beer spray (two percent capsaicin) has a spiciness of up to 3.3 million units. Pure capsaicin has a Scoville of up to 1.6 million units.

Do you like chili?

Man is the only creature that likes chili. Yes, humans love chili. However, like humans, mammals such as rodents and squirrels also consume it. However, the researchers said that they don’t have the same taste as humans. Birds and mammals have different receptors. This is why capsaicin has no effect on them.

Do not burn?

Sweets help to avoid feeling hot after eating chili. Activates the sweet taste. Reduces chilliness. A glass of milk, a few spoons of curd, and ice cream will immediately reduce the heat.