The Heat of Spicy Foods

What is the main ingredient in spicy foods that causes the burning sensation?

• Sugar

• Capsaicin

• Salt

• Vinegar

Where did chili peppers originally come from?

• India

• Mexico

• Brazil

• China

What happens when you drink water after eating something spicy?

• It cools down the burn

• It spreads the capsaicin and increases the fiery feeling

• It neutralizes the capsaicin

• It has no effect

What part of the chili pepper contains the most capsaicin?

• The skin

• The seeds

• The stem

• Where the seeds are connected inside the pepper

What type of receptors does capsaicin stimulate in our mouths?

• Taste receptors

• Pain receptors

• Sweet receptors

• Sour receptors

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8

Why do spicy foods make us feel like our tongues are on fire?

• Because they are actually hot in temperature

• Because capsaicin stimulates the same receptors that react to hot temperatures

• Because they contain actual fire

• Because they are cooked at high temperatures

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8

What is the effect of capsaicin on taste and smell?

• It has a strong taste and smell

• It has no taste or smell

• It has a sweet taste

• It has a sour smell

Which of the following is NOT a common reaction to eating spicy foods?

• Eyes watering

• Sweating

• Feeling cold

• Mouth feeling like it's on fire

What is a common reason some people avoid spicy foods?

• They are too sweet

• They are too bland

• They have sensitive taste buds

• They are too cold

Which of the following is a popular use of chili peppers?

• As a sweetener in desserts

• In various cuisines throughout the world

• As a cooling agent

• As a substitute for salt