Q: Dear Dave,We ate at a Mexican restaurant in Austin, TX and my wife had a ground beef burrito that was very spicy hot. About 20 minutes after eating she passed out and wound up in the hospital for 3 days having tests run on her to determine what happened. Nothing abnormal was found. We were wondering if you knew …
Mold on Chile Ristra
Q: Dave,I just received a ristra via mail order. It is not fully dry, and on brief examination I found that some of the peppers have mold growing on them. All this may have happened in transit (according to the seller, it has been in transit for 9 days after preparing the order for 6 days), but is this right …
What is Pepper Mash?
Q: Hi Dave,What is pepper mash and how would it differ from using pure pepper powder or fresh pods? Your web site was very helpful in locating fresh peppers and mash, but I cannot find a supplier of habanero powder. Thanks. Dan A: Hello Dan:Mash is fresh chiles crushed in a hammer mill and mixed with up to 10 percent salt …
Myth: Jalapeños Lacerate Tongue and Mouth
Q: Hello Dave,Last night I was at a bar and the bartender threw out a claim that I had to question. She said the reason jalapeños are spicy, and differently spicy than most other chiles, is because there are tiny particles within the jalapeño that cause very tiny lacerations on the tongue and inside of the mouth when eaten. And …
Chilli Tea!
Q: Dear Dave,What is chilli tea made with? Is it possible to dry chilli leaves and prepare them like herbal tea? I had chilli tea at a restaurant once before and wondered whether there were any benefits from drinking it. It then dawned on me that the leaves may have healing properties.–Paul A: Hello Paul:Chilli tea is made from dried …