Peppery heat (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: CAPSAICIN
Understanding Peppery Heat and Capsaicin
- Capsaicin is the chemical compound responsible for the peppery heat sensation in chili peppers and hot foods. This naturally occurring alkaloid binds to pain receptors in your mouth, creating that burning feeling we associate with spicy cuisine.
- Found primarily in the white pith and seeds of peppers, capsaicin concentration varies widely among pepper varieties, from mild bell peppers (zero capsaicin) to scorching Carolina Reapers.
Crossword Related
- This nine-letter answer perfectly fits clues about "peppery heat" or "hot pepper compound."
- Related crossword clues might reference "spice molecule," "chili pepper chemical," or "source of heat in jalapeños."
Quick Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Count the letters first: The number in parentheses (9) tells you the answer length
- Look for scientific terms: Heat-related clues often want chemical compound names
- Think kitchen science: Culinary clues may have chemistry-based answers
- Remember common patterns: "-ICIN" and "-AINE" are frequent chemical name endings
Peppery heat (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why does milk help with spicy food better than water?
Capsaicin is fat-soluble, not water-soluble. Milk contains casein protein and fats that bind with capsaicin molecules and wash them away, while water just spreads the burning sensation around your mouth.
Q: Can you build tolerance to capsaicin?
Yes! Regular exposure to spicy foods desensitizes your TRPV1 receptors over time, making you more resistant to the burning sensation. This is why spice lovers can handle increasingly hotter peppers.
Q: Is capsaicin actually damaging your mouth?
No, capsaicin triggers pain receptors but causes no physical damage. It's a false alarm to your nervous system—your mouth isn't actually burning, even though it feels that way.
Q: What's the fastest way to stop the burning?
Dairy products (milk, yogurt, ice cream), bread, rice, or sugar work best. Oils and fats also help since capsaicin dissolves in fat. Avoid alcohol, which can spread the burning sensation.
