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

Capsaicin is an oily, sticky molecule that sticks to your tongue and stays there. The chemical compound in wasabi- allyl isothiocyanate-is the opposite. It’s lightweight and volatile, so it gets carried through your mouth and into your nasal passages where it gets trapped and starts burning.