Category: Food > Nightshade
Did you know that the humble tomato contains a compound called capsaicin, which is the same chemical that gives hot peppers their heat? While tomatoes themselves are not spicy, they belong to the nightshade family, which also includes chili peppers. This fascinating connection comes from the fact that both plants produce capsaicin as a defense mechanism against herbivores and fungi. Interestingly, while the capsaicin in peppers activates pain receptors in our mouths, leading to a burning sensation, the levels found in tomatoes are so low that they are undetectable in terms of spiciness. This unique relationship highlights the diversity of flavors and chemical compounds present in our food, revealing how different ingredients can share similarities that influence our culinary experiences.