Q: Dear Dave,I have a fairly flavorless question Dave: Why do we sweat (especially around the eyes) when we use a potent hot pepper sauce?Thank you, Cameron. A: Hello Cameron:The capsaicin in chiles is perceived by the body as a poison that must be removed, so the result of eating hot stuff is gustatory rhinitis (runny nose) and gustatory perspiration (sweating).–Dave
Fiery Tequila
Q: Hello,We are in search of Fire God Tequila for one of your recipes. We are having a hard time finding it…. Would you happen to know where we can locate it? We understand it is made by the company Conquistador, but we have been unsuccessful in finding it or anyone that carries this particular tequila. Thank you, Alyssa A: …
Do Green Chiles Get Hotter as They Turn Red?
Q: Hi Dave,We have an office dispute here… Do green chiles (New Mexico) get hotter as they turn red? Is there a heat difference in the "heat" of a green chile dried on the plant vs. those dried by hanging or other methods?Thanks a fiery bunch, Randy A: Hello Randy:The amount of capsaicin in the pods does not increase as the …
Chile Grinders & Internet Shops
Q: Dear Dave:Two really important questions:1. Is there a one-stop shop anywhere on the internet where I can get ALL of my chiles? I’ve had a really hard time tracking down somewhere to buy some of the more uncommon chiles.2. What is the best chile grinder to prepare fresh ground chile powder, as it appears that many chiles are not …
‘Aji Amarillo’
Q: Hi Dave,I write the “Eat Smart” series of culinary guidebooks and currently am working on "Eat Smart in Peru." The most commonly used chile pepper in Peru is the ‘Aji Amarillo’. I’m wondering if you know anyone who has successfully grown it in the U.S.? If so, maybe it’ll even grow in Wisconsin. I’m in the process of taste-testing …