Why do some spicy foods hit hard and fade quickly (wasabi), while others start subtle but build up (flaming hot Cheetos), and others hit hard, stay a long time, and ruin my sleep (lamb vindaloo)?

Question

Why do some spicy foods hit hard and fade quickly (wasabi), while others start subtle but build up (flaming hot Cheetos), and others hit hard, stay a long time, and ruin my sleep (lamb vindaloo)?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Because they contain different molecules with the same effect

Jalapenos have capsaicin which is Lipophilic

Wasaby have isoticinates which on the contrary are not soluble in fats