Hot Rumours: 10 Myths about Chillies & Hot Sauce
Chillies and hot sauce have been around for centuries, yet myths and misconceptions still surround them. From ancient beliefs to modern pop culture references, these hot rumours persist despite scientific evidence to the contrary.
Here are 10 myths about chillies and hot sauce debunked:
-
Myth: Eating chillies can cause stomach ulcers. Fact: Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chillies, can irritate the stomach lining, but it does not cause ulcers. In fact, recent studies have shown that capsaicin may have protective effects against ulcers.
-
Myth: The hotter the chilli, the better it is for you. Fact: While capsaicin has been linked to several health benefits, including pain relief and weight loss, there is no evidence to suggest that hotter chillies are healthier. It's all about personal preference. Check out our hottest chilli sauces here.
-
Myth: Hot sauce can spoil quickly. Fact: Hot sauce can last for years if stored properly. The high acidity and capsaicin content act as natural preservatives.
-
Myth: Milk is the best way to cool down your mouth after eating something spicy. Fact: Milk contains casein, a protein that can help to neutralize the heat from capsaicin. However, other dairy products like yogurt and cheese - especially those high in fat, can be just as effective. Alcohol can also help breakdown capsaicin so a shot or a cold beer can be as good! Or maybe try both together - here's our selection of boozy hot sauces!
-
Myth: Chillies originated in Asia. Fact: Chillies are native to the Americas and were introduced to Asia by Portuguese traders in the 16th century - but different styles of chillis were bred across the world creating styles linked to local cuisines. For example the Bhut Jolokia or Ghost Pepper is native to north eastern India and Pakisatan. Check out our Ghost Pepper Sauces here.
-
Myth: All hot sauces from the same chilli taste the same. Fact: Hot sauces come in a wide variety of flavors, heat levels, and ingredients. From fruity habanero sauces to smoky chipotle sauces, there's a hot sauce for every taste preference, and to match every dish. The use of a particular chillis doesn't mean a sauce will taste the same - the amount of chilli used and the complimentary ingredients can totally change the flavour and heat level.
-
Myth: Hot sauce is bad for your teeth. Fact: Hot sauce does not damage your teeth, but the high acidity in some sauces can weaken your tooth enamel over time. To minimize the risk, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after eating spicy foods.
-
Myth: Hot sauce can cure a cold. Fact: While hot sauce can temporarily clear your sinuses, it does not cure a cold. The capsaicin in chillies may have some anti-inflammatory properties, but it's not a substitute for proper medical treatment.
-
Myth: Hot sauce is only for savory dishes. Fact: Hot sauce can add a spicy kick to sweet dishes as well. Try adding a few drops of hot sauce to chocolate desserts or sweet pancake for a unique flavor combination. Hot Honeys and Fruity sauces are perfect matches for breakfast. Iscream by Klowns on Fire is an amazing chocolate and raspberry sauce, specially created hot sauce for ice cream.
-
Myth: Hot sauce is a recent invention. Fact: Hot sauce has been around for thousands of years, with evidence of hot sauce being used in ancient cultures such as the Aztecs and the Mayans.... in fact....
Chillies and hot sauce have a long and fascinating history, and separating fact from fiction has always gone hand in hand. Here are some ancient chilli myths:
Mayan Myth - The Mayan people believed that chillis had the power to ward off evil spirits. They would burn chilli peppers and use the smoke to fumigate their homes and keep evil spirits at bay.
Indian Myth - In Hindu mythology, the god Shiva was said to have created the chilli pepper as a weapon against a demon named Tripura. According to the story, Tripura was invincible to all weapons except for the fiery heat of the chilli pepper.
Aztec Myth - The Aztecs believed that chillis were a gift from the gods. According to their mythology, the god Quetzalcoatl had stolen the chilli plant from the other gods and given it to the people as a sign of his favor. They believed that eating chillis would bring them closer to the divine.