How does being used to spicy foods work?

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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

8 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Just like with everything else in life, it is possible to build up a tolerance against capsaicin (the molecule responsible for that spicy sensation in your mouth). Basically, the receptors in your tongue kinda get used to it, and don’t get triggered as often.

Also, 5 jalapeños? an exaggeration? pffffft *laughs in mexican*

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