If you've
bitten of more pepper than your mouth can handle, there are a number of
cooling tips
recommended by the pros. First, put away that ice water! It only helps to
spread the capsaicin,
the main heat producing ingredient in chiles. Try milk or other dairy
products such
as yogurt. Dairy products are believed to contain an enzyme that
counteracts the sting of the pepper. Other pros suggest beer if your taste
buds are on fire. It is said to wash away the capsaicin oils and the
alcohol counteracts the spicy oils in peppers.
Tequila
and other spirits also have a "cooling" effect. Some say a
squeeze of lemon or lime will help to balance the palate. Distracting it
from the heat. Others have found that bread, crackers, tortillas or the
like help. If you’re cooking at home you can prevent this from happening
in the first place by adding a little sugar to cool an overly spicy dish.
Also,the more you cut up and grind peppers the more heat they will give
off when cooking. In other words, keep those jalapenos whole to avoid to
much heat. No matter how much you try however, when biting into a good
habanero or extra powerful serano you will likely be burning up inside!
The cures aren't perfect and sometimes only the passage of time helps
after biting into a really hot one. Now that you know what to do in case
of emergency, Go ahead chose your weapon!
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