The History and Science of Chili Peppers

What was the estimated value of the global hot sauce market in 2023?

• $10 billion

• $5 billion

• $3 billion

• $1 billion

What chemical is responsible for the heat in chili peppers?

• Chillicin

• Pepperine

• Capsaicin

• Spicetin

Why do birds not get affected by the heat of chili peppers?

• They lack taste receptors for capsaicin

• They have a different digestive system

• They have a faster metabolism

• They are immune to all spices

What is one reason humans have historically used spices in their food?

• To enhance color

• To improve texture

• To increase sweetness

• To prevent food spoilage

Where did the first encounters between wild chili peppers and humans likely occur?

• Yucatan Peninsula

• Himalayan Foothills

• Sahara Desert

• Amazon Rainforest

Which explorer is credited with naming chili peppers?

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Vasco da Gama

• Christopher Columbus

• Marco Polo

What is the Scoville scale used to measure?

• Heat of chili peppers

• Sourness of citrus

• Sweetness of fruits

• Bitterness of vegetables

Which of the following is NOT a reason people might enjoy eating spicy food?

• Social influence

• Nutritional benefits

• Cultural identity

• Thrill-seeking behavior

What is the evolutionary advantage of humans developing a taste for spicy food?

• Increased energy levels

• Reduced foodborne illness

• Enhanced vision

• Improved digestion

Which region's identity is closely associated with the ability to handle spicy food?

• Quebec, Canada

• Sicily, Italy

• Hunan Province, China

• Bavaria, Germany