The Dish on Chili
You may have developed a chili recipe that sets mouths on fire, but how much do you know about the dish? Here are some quick facts about our favourite spicy fare.
- There are several chili variations; however the traditional main ingredients of chili con carne are chili peppers, meat, onions, garlic and cumin.
- While some think of tomatoes as a necessary chili ingredient, there are those who consider it a chili faux-pas.
- Every great chili chef has a secret ingredient. Chefs have chosen to make their chili unique by including ingredients such as chocolate, peanut butter, bananas, brown sugar, cola and coffee.
- Debate surrounds the true origin of chili. Mexico, Texas, New Mexico and Baja California are all rumored to be the birthplace of chili.
- The chili pepper has been a mainstay of the Mexican kitchen for centuries. Chilies were introduced to Asia by European explorers and became a part of Korean, Indian and Thai cuisines, to name a few.
- Why do chilies make you sweat? Capsaicinoids, capsaicin and a mix of several related chemicals, is what is responsible for their heat. The brain responds to the burning sensation caused by the compound by raising the heart rate, increasing perspiration and releasing endorphins.
- The hottest chili peppers are from the Capsicum chinence species which includes the naga, habanero and Scotch bonnet – heat that makes you hold on to your hat!