Tips on Reducing the Burn of Spices
Spices are an integral part of most cuisines around the world. They add flavor, aroma, and color to dishes, and some even have health benefits. However, spices can also be hot and spicy, causing a burning sensation in the mouth. While some people enjoy the heat, others find it unbearable. If you belong to the latter group, this article is for you. Read on as we discuss some tips on reducing the burn of spices.
Drink Milk or Dairy Products
Milk and dairy products can help reduce the burn of spiciness. Spices contain capsaicin, a compound that causes the burning sensation. Capsaicin is not water-soluble, which means that drinking water won’t help much. However, capsaicin is fat-soluble, which means that it dissolves in fat. Milk and dairy products contain fat, which helps to dissolve the capsaicin and reduce the burning sensation. So, the next time you eat something spicy, try drinking a glass of milk or eating some yogurt to reduce the burn.
Eat Something Starchy
Eating something starchy can also help to reduce the burn of spiciness. Starchy foods like bread, rice, or potatoes absorb the capsaicin, reducing the amount that comes into contact with the mouth’s sensitive tissues. So, if you’re feeling the burn, try eating some bread or rice to reduce the sensation.
Add Sweetness and Sugar
Sugar can also help to reduce the burn of spiciness. The sweetness of sugar can counteract the spiciness of the capsaicin, reducing the burning sensation. So, if you’re feeling the heat, try putting a bit of sugar on your tongue to reduce the burn.
Consume Acidic Foods
Acidic foods like lemon, lime, or vinegar can also help to reduce the burn of spiciness. The acid in these foods neutralizes the alkaline capsaicin, reducing the burning sensation. So, if you’re feeling the heat, try squeezing some lemon juice on your food to reduce the burn.
Avoid Alcohol and Carbonated Beverages
Alcohol and carbonated beverages can make the burning sensation worse. Alcohol and carbonation can cause the capsaicin to spread to different parts of the mouth, intensifying the burning sensation. So, if you’re feeling the burn, avoid alcohol and carbonated beverages and stick to water or milk instead.
Take a Break
If the burning sensation is too much to handle, take a break. Stop eating and give your mouth a break to recover. Drink some milk or water, and wait for the burning sensation to subside.
We highly recommend taking a few breaks during your meals, especially if you’re not used to eating spicy foods. All in all, taking a break can help to reduce the burn and prevent any further discomfort. Listen to your body, and this way, you can surely enjoy your spicy meal at its best.
Conclusion
Sometimes, our best gastronomic experiences are nothing without the spices that make them unique, exciting, and delicious. Spices are a great way to add flavor and aroma to dishes, but they can also be hot and spicy, causing a burning sensation in the mouth. If you’re someone who finds spiciness unbearable, there are some things you can do to reduce the burn. Drinking milk or dairy products, eating something starchy, adding sugar or acidic foods, avoiding alcohol and carbonated beverages, and taking a break can all help to reduce the burn of spiciness. With that said, the next time you eat something spicy, try these tips to reduce the burning sensation.
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