Q: Dear Dave,We have a frozen vacuum-packed product. We would like to include within the previously described product a small portion pack of hot sauce. Will the hot sauce quality be affected? It is our understanding that frozen vacuum-packed products tend to have longer shelf lives than products packed otherwise. –Elliott A: Hello Elliott:The quality of the hot sauce would …
Sichuan Facing Heaven
Q: Hey Dave, I am looking for Sichuan Facing Heaven dried chiles. Is it possible they go by another name? None of the Asian markets in my area seem to have anything that looks like the Facing Heaven variety. Thanks, Karen A: Hello Karen:That variety is not available in the U.S. Substitute piquins.–Dave
Why Chiles Make Us Sweat
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
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 …
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: …