Chilli Fun Facts
Botanically
speaking, where are peppers to be found?
Peppers
are members of the Solanaceae Family. Some relatives include tomatoes,
potatoes, and eggplant.
Are
dried chillies hotter than fresh chillies?
It
can often be the case that the drying process increases the heat of a chilli
although the biggest difference is the taste. Ideally do not substitute dried chillies
for fresh when cooking. Dried chillies are used throughout the world either
whole, crushed or ground (the latter can be very hot). Fresh chillies are often
used after roasting as this enhances the flavour and gets rid of the skin which
can be chewy.
Why
are chillies hot?
The
heat of the chilli comes from the oil called capsaicin which is present in the
chilli. It is found mostly in the seeds and the "ribs" of chilli
peppers. Capsaicin acts on the same nerves - found in the tongue and the skin -
that gives us a sensation of heat. It releases a chemical called "substance
P" into the blood which sends signals to the brain, telling it you are
eating something hot.
How
is chilli hotness compared?
A
scale of chilli hotness exists which is measured in Scoville units. This test
was developed back in 1912 by Wilbur L. Scoville using a human tasting panel.
The Scoville scale is still in use although the human panel has been replaced
by a high-pressure liquid chromatography machine.
Is
eating chilli bad for you?
There
is no evidence that eating too much chilli is unhealthy, or that it causes
ulcers. In fact, capsaicin is used in anti-inflammatory creams to treat
ailments like arthritis and shingles.
Can
you get desensitised to eating chilli?
Yes.
Tests have showed that with successive exposure to equal concentrations of
capsaicin, the sensation of pungency decreases.
How
do I get rid of the burning feeling?
If
you burn your mouth with chilli, drinking water will do no good because
capsaicin is not soluble in water. (It's like trying to wash away grease with
water) Fat will do the trick - and that means drinking milk, eating yoghurt,
ice cream or even peanut butter.
Why
do we like to eat chilli?
There
is a reason why we go on eating chilli even though it "burns" the
tongue. When nerve cells release substance P, the body produces chemicals
called endorphins - and these act on brain cells in the same way that
opium-derived drug morphine does. As a result, you feel good.
What
is the world’s hottest chilli?
The
title holder for 'World Hottest Chilli', according to experts at the Defence
Research Laboratory in the army garrison town of
What
is the molecular weight of Capsaicin?
The
molecular weight of Capsaicin is 305.42
What
is the empirical formula of Capsaicin?
The
empirical formula of Capsaicin is C18H27NO3
What
is the crystalline form of Capsaicin?
The
crystalline form of Capsaicin is monoclinic prisms or scales (in petroleum
ether).
What
is the Boiling Point of Capsaicin?
The
Boiling Point of Capsaicin is 210-220 degrees Centigrade
What
is it best to drink to cool the burning sensation of Capsaicin?
Milk
products cool you off after eating chillies because casein, a protein, breaks
the bond between the pain receptors and the Capsaicin.
In
what compounds is Capsaicin soluble in?
Capsaicin
is soluble in ethanol, ether, benzene and petroleum ether.
Which
country is the largest chilli producer?
Most
countries in the world grow chillies. Use of peppers is increasing worldwide
and while
To
what genus do peppers belong?
Peppers
belong to the genus capsicum.
Do
peppers contain vitamins?
Peppers
contain high amounts of vitamins A and C and are also rich in E, P, and K+.
Are
peppers good for you?
The
pleasure/pain reaction to peppers is said to have a psychologically beneficial
effect and nutritionally peppers contain lots of Vitamin A, B and C, as well as
magnesium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin.
How
far back are peppers known to have existed?
Peppers
have existed at least since 7000 BC
Why
are peppers called peppers?
Are
peppers addictive?
Yes,
peppers are addictive. Peppers contain capsaicin, a natural chemical that sends
a burning sensation from the nerve endings in the mouth to the brain. The body
defends itself against this pain sensation by secreting endorphins, natural
painkillers that cause a physical "rush" - a high that keeps us
coming back for more. So indulge your pepper cravings, and rest assured that
you will soon build a tolerance.
What
causes the burning sensation?
A
compound called "capsaicin" is what causes the burning sensation.
What
is the Scoville number?
Wilber
Scoville invented the Scoville test around the turn of the century. Until very
recently, it was used to rate chilli peppers for hotness. Now, a test which
uses liquid chromatography rates the heat level of chillies.
How
is the pepper fruit correctly described?
At
different stages, chillies are correctly called berries, fruits, vegetables,
and spices.
Does
capsaicin have any medicinal uses?
Capsaicin
pre-treatment induces long-lasting desensitization of airway mucosa to various
mechanical and chemical irritants. It is currently undergoing preliminary
clinical evaluation as a treatment for chronic postherpetic neuralgia.
Are
hot pepper sauces fattening?
The
amounts of fat, carbohydrate and protein consumed with a typical dose of pepper
sauce are insignificant which means that you can add flavour and sensation to a
dish for no measurable increase in calorific value.
Can
hot pepper sauce help me to slim?
A
typical dose of pepper sauce to spice up your food adds no measurable calories
to the dish and into the bargain increases your metabolic rate, thereby burning
energy. In fact the more sauce you use the more you'll jump about and the more
calories you burn off - what a great way to lose weight!
Why
do so many sauces contain tomatoes, lemons and limes?
The
acid in tomato juice, fresh lemons and limes counteracts the alkalinity in
capsaicin.
What
is the Melting Point of Capsaicin?
The
Melting Point of Capsaicin is 65 degrees Centigrade