More specifically:
Why, when a person from a region that typically eats spicy food eats something you think is hot, do they say “this isn’t spicy” even if there’s like 5 jalapenos (exaggeration.) Can they taste the spice but they’re just used to it and are being mean to my caucasian tastebuds, or can they literally not register any spice. If the second one, how does this work? If the prior, how does being used to spicy things work?
Edit: on reflection, 5 jalapenos clearly isnt an exaggeration.
Edit 2: I’m talking MY caucasian tastebuds. Me being from Europe where spice is not everywhere. I’m not saying white people can’t be used to spice. (That’s sort of what I was asking anyway, is spice tolerance nature or nurture)
In: Biology
I know it’s a joke, but general spice tolerance has nothing to do with race, but more cultural exposure from a young age. Still, you can always build up your tolerance by gradually eating spicier things. I did. Now I’m at the point where what most people consider incredibly hot, I just think is mild.
Also an interesting fact, is I can’t taste bitterness (about 25% of people can’t), which some people believe is linked to an increased tolerance and enjoyment of spicy foods.
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