![]() ![]() The plants evolved in such a way that their fruits would ward away rodents who would mash the seeds with their molars but would allow for birds, who would eat the seeds whole, to act as the perfect vessels to spread the seeds around the area.Īlthough we as humans will not be spreading the seeds, we can still enjoy the invigorating heat of the peppers. Much like humans, rodents have the same temperature receptors in their tongues, so they experience the same pain as we do! However, birds do not have these same receptors. According to a Harvard University study on the evolution of chili peppers, pepper plants developed this compound in the seeds of their fruits as a defense mechanism against rodents. This is what causes a feeling of euphoria for many spice-lovers and is part of the reason why we keep coming back for more. As you begin to feel the burn, your brain releases endorphins to help relieve the pain. While the brain may believe your tongue is going up into flames, there is no actual burning going on, it’s all just an illusion caused by the compound. Capsaicin is the little devil that triggers your temperature receptors in your tongue and causes the burning sensation we all know and love… or hate. The wonderful heat of peppers can be attributed to the sinister compound found in the seeds of the peppers: C 18 H 27 NO 3 otherwise known as capsaicin. These new chilies were consumed in dishes such as curries or Sichuan style meals. Many southern and southeastern Asian countries had already been familiar with different spices such as black pepper and ginger, so the peppers were integrated into the cuisine very easily. It wasn’t until the arrival of Christopher Columbus that the peppers finally moved from the New World into the Old. Early civilizations used the peppers in their foods and it spread throughout the South American continent, influencing many of the foods we know today. ![]() While they may have become very common throughout the world, chili peppers are a fruit native to Mexico, where they were grown in tropical heat and humidity of the southern hemisphere. Now I know you may be wondering: “Why would I ever put myself through that? That’s crazy!” And to that, I would say, Yes! It certainly is crazy to be putting my face through such a hellish experience but it’s an invigorating experience that people have been pursuing and enjoying for at least 6000 years! This is the experience that many spice-addicts such as myself undergo when pushing our spice limits. You reach for the milk and drink away until the burning is reduced to nothing more than smoldering coals and lingering pain poking around in your mouth. Your hands and forehead become sweaty as you feel a fiery inferno of flames swelling and burning your tongue and lips. Imagine: You’ve just eaten the spiciest food you can tolerate and you can already sense the heat coming on. By Tyler Wasielewski, sophomore writing coach ![]()
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