Why are chillies hot?
The heat of the chilli comes from the oil called capsaicin which is present in the chilli. It is found mostly in the seeds and the “ribs” of chilli peppers. Capsaicin acts on the same nerves – found in the tongue and the skin – that gives us a sensation of heat. It releases a chemical called “substance P” into the blood which sends signals to the brain, telling it you are eating something hot.
