How Do You Conduct A Science Experiment With Hot Peppers?
You can conduct a science experiment with hot peppers by creating your own version of the Scoville unit system for measuring the degrees of heat in different chilies. In 1912 a scientist named Wilbur Scoville developed a system for rating various chilies’ potency. The experiment below is not the exact one that Scoville performed, but uses the same principles. Scoville diluted chili extracts with a solution of simple syrup –sugar water–in order to determine the concentration at which subjects began to taste a chilies’ heat. . Gently heat 1 gallon of water in a stockpot and dissolve 1 cup of sugar. Turn off the heat and let the solution cool. Remove the stems, cores and seeds from a poblano, a jalapeno and a habanero chili. Wear gloves to protect your hands. Coarsely chop each chili and puree them separately in a food processor or blender. Wash your food processor or blender between pureeing each chili. Measure 1/4 teaspoon of poblano puree and mix it with a cup of sugar water. Taste t
