Name: The science of spiciness
Uploaded: 2019-02-15T17:36:36Z
Duration: 3 min 39 s
Description: When you take a bite of a hot pepper, your body reacts as if your mouth is on fire -- because that's essentially what you've told your brain! Rose Eveleth details the science and history behind spicy foods, giving insights into why some people continue to pay the painful price for a little spice. [Directed by Flaming Medusa Studios Inc., narrated by Rose Eveleth].

When you take a bite of a hot pepper, your body reacts as if your mouth is on fire -- because that's essentially what you've told your brain! Rose Eveleth details the science and history behind spicy foods, giving insights into why some people continue to pay the painful price for a little spice. [Directed by Flaming Medusa Studios Inc., narrated by Rose Eveleth].

Rose Eveleth: The science of spiciness

The science of spiciness

Spiciness fools the brain into thinking the mouth is burning by activating heat-sensitive receptors, a blend of pain and pleasure.

The intricacies of spiciness: Capsaicin in chili peppers targets the mouth, while isothiocyanates in wasabi hit the sinuses.

Unmasking the fiery dance of spiciness, from chili-induced sweat to wasabi's nasal sting, exploring our complex affair with heat.