When fresh chiles are at their prime, there is no more exciting ingredient to cook with. However, what should you do if the heat becomes unbearable?
Palms perspiring. Red cheeks. Irritated eyes. Anyone who has consumed a spicy chili is familiar with the effects of capsaicin.
Popularly, the spiciness of chilies is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), a scale developed by the chemist Wilbur Scoville.
Regardless of the Scoville level, when the heat of a chili is overwhelming, do not go for a glass of water, despite the fact that this is the natural inclination.
Capsaicin dissolves in fat and alcohol, whereas water just spreads the burning sensation. The best remedy for an inflamed palate is a glass of milk or something alcoholic.
Sugar, such as honey or granulated sugar, may provide the illusion of momentary comfort, but it does nothing to break down the capsaicin.
You're simply diverting your mouth's attention from one sensation to another. Ice crunching? The same result: a diversion but no solution.
Instead, opt for ice cream, which delivers both (literal) cooling comfort and fatty dairy to help break down the hot ingredient.