Where Does Chilli Heat Come From? The Science Behind the Spice
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4 min read
Archaeological evidence shows that humans have been enjoying the spicy kick of chilli peppers for at least 6,000 years. This distinctive heat sensation, however, isn't a taste but a response to chemical irritants that originated in the Americas. The answer to 'where does chilli heat come from' lies in a specific group of compounds designed to deter predators.