why does wasabi burn your sinuses when you eat it instead of your tongue like peppers?

Question

why does wasabi burn your sinuses when you eat it instead of your tongue like peppers?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Peppers have capsaicin and wasabi (or horseradish, usually) has allyl isothiocyanate.

Allyl isothiocyanate is more a more volatile compound so it’s more likely to go up your nose. Capsaicin is oily so hangs around in your mouth longer.