Why is spicy food less spicy when it's allowed to cool?
I've noticed over the years that when my food, which was initially very spicy, has cooled down, it doesn't seem as spicy anymore.
Why is that?
Best Answer
Capsaicin, the chemical that makes peppers spicy, activates a sensory receptor which can also be activated by heat. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsaicin#Mechanism_of_action)
That means that when a food is spicy and hot, you feel both types of heat using the same sense! When the food has cooled and you're not feeling the heat (temperature) any more, it no longer adds to the feeling of spicyness.
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Quick Answer about "Why is spicy food less spicy when it's allowed to cool?"
When the food has cooled and you're not feeling the heat (temperature) any more, it no longer adds to the feeling of spicyness. Show activity on this post. Allowing things to cool below body-temperature will reduce your perception of spiciness.What stops the heat from spicy food?
Acidic ingredients such as lemon or lime juice, vinegar, wine, tomatoes, and even pineapple will all help to neutralize the pH levels of a spicy oil, and reduce some of that flaming-hot flavor. Add the juice of half a lemon or lime, or a tablespoon or two of wine, vinegar, or tomato sauce, to your over-spiced dish.Does spicy food get spicier in the fridge?
Hot sauce does not get hotter in the fridge. It stays the same temperature throughout the refrigerator. However, if you put hot sauce in the freezer, it will cool down.How does temperature affect spice?
For some spices, the aromatic compounds are released by some heat, but are not destroyed. Thus their effect is heightened. For other compounds, even a small amount of heat will destroy them and thus reduce their effect - see Mischa's comment.Why is spicy food not spicy anymore?
When you eat foods containing capsaicin, your TRPV1 receptors open up and let sodium and calcium ions in, which sends pain signals to the brain. But with repeated exposure, the calcium ions close off the receptor and prevent further pain signal transmission.The science of spiciness - Rose Eveleth
More answers regarding why is spicy food less spicy when it's allowed to cool?
Answer 2
Allowing things to cool below body-temperature will reduce your perception of spiciness.
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