the.com/capsaicin
The chemical that convinces your tongue it's on fire while staying perfectly cold.
means The active compound in chili peppers that triggers heat-sensing nerves, producing the burning sensation of spicy food.
from Coined in 1873 from capsicum, the pepper genus, itself possibly from Latin capsa, a box, for the seed-filled pods.
Fake fireTricks heat receptors without raising actual temperature.
Plant defenseEvolved to deter mammals, not birds.
Oil-solubleMilk beats water for dousing the burn.
Scoville scaleMeasures capsaicin by how much it dilutes.