Hot and spicy foods are not only delicious, but also have many health benefits. They can boost your metabolism, improve your circulation, fight inflammation, and even help you live longer. Some studies have shown that people who eat spicy foods regularly have a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
One of the most distinctive features of peppers is their spiciness, which can range from mild to scorching. But what makes peppers hot? The answer is a chemical compound called capsaicin, which is found mainly in the white membrane or placenta of the pepper, where the seeds are attached. Capsaicin stimulates the pain receptors in the mouth and other tissues, creating a burning sensation that can make you sweat, cry, or even vomit. It’s also used in medicine as a topical treatment for arthritis. Capsaicin is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHUs), which indicates how much dilution is needed to eliminate the heat. For example, a bell pepper has zero SHUs, a habañero can have up to 325,000 SHUs, a “ghost pepper” (bhut jolokia) has about 1,000,000 SHUs, and the dreaded Carolina Reaper has about 2.2 million SHUs! Pure capsaicin has 16 million SHUs. You don’t really taste the stuff, as “hot” is not a taste—it’s actually a pain reaction some humans have come to enjoy. Capsaicin is thought to have evolved as a defense mechanism against insects and fungi, but some birds and humans have developed a tolerance or even a preference for it.
But enough about the science, let's talk about the fun part: eating hot and spicy foods. There are so many cuisines and dishes that feature hot and spicy ingredients, from Cajun and Creole to Mexican and Thai. You can find something to suit your preference, whether you like mild, medium, or extra hot.
Some of my favorite hot and spicy foods are:
- Chili, or as I call my recipe, Death by Chili. It’s not for the timid. A friend of mine once called it “pepper spray with beef and beans.” I’ve made it with jalapeños, serranos, habañeros, ghost pepper, and even a Carolina reaper once! It’s what’s for dinner tonight!
- Shrimp Creole: Shrimp swimming in a spicy “red gravy” served over a bed of white rice. I make this every Mardi Gras.
- Jambalaya: a hearty rice dish with chicken, sausage, shrimp, and vegetables, seasoned with cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Gumbo: a thick soup or stew with meat or seafood, okra, and a dark roux, flavored with garlic, onion, celery, and hot sauce.
- Red beans and rice: a classic comfort food with kidney beans, ham, andouille sausage (that’s pronounced on-doo-ee), and rice, spiced with cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. I never had a taste for the stuff as a kid, but learned to like it as an adult. Turns out I just didn’t like Mom’s recipe. (Sorry, Mom.)
- Nachos: a crunchy snack with tortilla chips, cheese, salsa, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole. Well, I don’t like the guac, but that’s just me.
Of course, these are just some examples of the many hot and spicy foods you can enjoy on this special day. You can also try making your own hot and spicy dishes, or experiment with different sauces and condiments. The possibilities are endless.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a glass of milk (not water), a napkin, and a fork, and dig in. Happy Hot and Spicy Foods Day!