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Q: Dear Dave,
Let me first say that this site rocks. I have been growing peppers in an outside garden for about 5 years now and attempted inside. Each year I seem to learn more and more, but wish I had found this site a long time ago. Living in central Illinois can be a challenge for growing peppers. I have learned more in the last few weeks then I have the last 5 years. Here is my question: When cutting hot peppers, how do you wash the oils from the peppers off of your hands? Knives? Cutting boards, etc.? I always seem to not be able to rinse the oils off completely, especially when cutting the really hot peppers.
Thanks,
John
A: Hello John:
Thanks for your kind words! It is difficult to remove every little molecule of capsaicin from hands and cutting boards because skin and wood tends to absorb the substance and it is not miscible with water. I would rub the hands and cutting board with vegetable oil, then follow with a strong detergent. Finally, rinse everything in the hottest water you can stand. Also, use disposable poly gloves when cutting chiles, and cover the cutting board with waxed paper, and these steps will really help.
–Dave
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