Why Are Hot Peppers Hot? (And How Milk Helps)

  • Published22 Dec 2015
  • Reviewed22 Dec 2015
  • Source American Chemical Society

You have probably had the burning sensation of eating a jalapeno or other tear-inducing pepper. What causes this painful fire in your mouth? The short answer is capsaicin. But what exactly is capsaicin? How does it work? Why do people drink milk to relieve the pain? Reactions has the chemistry to answer all of these sizzling questions.

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