Why do some spicy foods (like Jalapeño Peppers) cause a burning sensation on your tongue, and other spicy foods (like Wasabi) cause a burning sensation in your nose?

Question

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In: Biology

Answer 1

Jalapeños have capsaicin, which is a chemical that is binding to your pain receptors. Wasabi’s spice doesn’t come from capsaicin, it comes from a combinations of chemicals, one of which, “allyl isothiocyanate”, is very easily vaporized. So it gets into your sinuses.