this post was submitted on 15 Dec 2024
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[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 days ago (5 children)

I enjoy spicy food once in a while, but I don't get why anyone would actively make it extremely hot on purpose. It doesn't enhance the taste, it actually makes the food taste less since you mainly taste the spice.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Some of us enjoy the taste of the chilis. Also a bit of enjoyment of the pain and tears

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago (2 children)

So like, a smidge of masochism of sorts?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago

More than a smudge. "Hot" isn't a flavor. What you're experiencing is pain.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 days ago

Yes?

If you haven't, read up on what endorphins do. Among other things, they suppress pain by making you feel good.

I like to describe spicy food as a way to experience a pain that is 100% not actually hurting you. All that capsaicin is doing is tricking your nerves.

I like the flavors that a lot of the lower-tier hot peppers produce. Jalapenos and Habaneros go into a lot of the food I make for myself, but that's more of a flavor decision where the heat is a neat side effect. As you go up the heat scale, though, the flavors themselves start to get overpowered (at least for me).

There is, though, a sweet spot where the heat becomes too much for you, and your brain jumps in to help. That's where the endorphins kick in and the experience changes from "This is too spicy for me..." to "This is best damn chicken sandwich I've ever had!" while mopping your brow.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago

Once you have a high enough heat tolerance you can start to actually taste stuff, even when it's melting your face off.

Ghost peppers are fruity, with an almost cherry-like flavor. If you can handle them they're a great enhancer for candy!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

The title already explained it. It's for the endorphin rush. Also, sometimes your food tastes like crap, and you just want to cover up the taste.

I generally don't like sauce that is only hot. I like it to have flavor, too.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

It's fine if you don't get it, but for some people the spice is as important, or more important, than the flavor

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago

Yes, but why is it more important to you?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago

Am I not allowed to not understand things?

You could just explain why your opinion differs, so I might learn