As you may already know, if you have seen our Gastronomic Calendar 2023, there are days of the most varied. Even of flavors. And that is what is being commemorated today, January 16, as we celebrate International Spicy Food Day, one of the most popular flavors in Latin America. One of the most popular flavors in Latin America, join us to celebrate this powerful day in style!
Although spicy is a very popular flavor throughout Latin America, if there is a particular cuisine that makes us think of spicy, that is Mexican. For every one of its recipes commemorates this potent, fiery flavor that makes us all sweat. However, it ranks sixth among the countries with the spiciest food. Curious, isn’t it?
So if you too are passionate about this condiment, join us in celebrating Spiciness Day. Let’s learn more about this celebration, and see many curiosities about this flavor and its condiments.
On January 16th we also celebrate: Croquette Day
International Spicy Food Day
Every January 16 is commemorated the day of spicy food. So, in general. Any dish with a good dose of spice is welcome on this day. Regardless of the cuisine. So go ahead and prepare your favorite dish, whatever it is, and add that spicy touch that will make all your guests sweat, what better way to celebrate spicy food day?
Although we have done a lot of research, we do not know the origin or the creator of this day. What is clear is that it is a great way to commemorate certain gastronomies, closely linked to spicy food. And, in particular, to promote a multitude of spices and spicy condiments.
How to Celebrate Spicy Food Day
If you like spicy food too, celebrate with us by learning more about it. And, of course, by making your favorite dish spicy. Add the spicy condiment or spice you like the most to your menu, and prepare your favorite dishes in a spicy version.
Plus, you can choose the level of spiciness that best suits your palate. Well, did you know that it is measurable? We’ll see how later.
Another great way to celebrate Spicante Day is to prepare a typical spicy dish that you haven’t tried or don’t know yet. If you like to experiment in the kitchen, it’s the perfect excuse to innovate and prepare something new.
Or, prepare a contest with your friends to see who has the highest level of tolerance to spicy food. It can be a fun day out. Just don’t forget the milk to cut down on the spice!
And of course, remember to share your Spicante Day celebration using the hashtag #InternationalSpicyFoodDay.
Are spicy foods good?
We are going to continue celebrating the spicy food day by getting to know it a little more in depth. And there are many myths that exist around these condiments. Not all of them true.
Like any other ingredient or food, everything, in excess, can be harmful. The same happens with spicy food. However, in the right measure, a moderate consumption of spice can be very beneficial. Do you want to see why?
- The spicy flavor stimulates metabolism and increases body heat. So it accelerates the rate at which we burn calories. This makes it a great ally in our diets.
- Capsaicin, the compound that gives us the itching sensation in the throat and mouth, has an aphrodisiac effect in many people.
- It also activates blood circulation
- On the other hand, it helps to decongest the throat.
- Spiciness also stimulates gastric secretions. So it helps us to make better digestion.
These are just some of the benefits of including spice, in moderation, in our diet. However, it also has some contraindications. And it is not recommended for those who suffer from diabetes, hemorrhoids, gastritis, irritable bowel, heartburn… It can worsen its symptoms and effects.
Some curiosities about spicy food
- Although when we eat a very spicy food we will immediately drink water to alleviate the itching, the truth is that water does not alleviate it. So if a food itches too much, to avoid or reduce this sensation we have to drink milk. Although other foods also help a lot to reduce itching, such as yogurt, beer or bananas.
- Spiciness is not a taste as such, but a defense mechanism of some plants. The taste, or rather, the spicy sensation is a response of our brain to capsaicin.
- It can be addictive. This is because it causes our body to release opioids and endorphins to neutralize pain. Which causes us to feel a sense of pleasure that also causes a slight addiction.
- The Scoville scale measures the amount of capsaicin in food, so it is a great way to measure itchiness.
The Scoville scale measures spiciness, giving a value according to the level of spiciness of each food.
- Each person has a different level of tolerance to spicy food, which is influenced by our genetics, physiological and cultural factors, customs…
- Did you know that the country with the spiciest food is China? Followed by Korea and India. This is where we can find the spiciest food in the world. Although surely many Latin American gastronomies disagree with this ranking.
So start looking for Chinese recipes to celebrate Spicy Food Day.
How to make your dishes spicier, the best condiments to celebrate Spiciness Day.
And finally, we are going to say goodbye with a list of options to make your dishes spicier, more in line with this day. Well, as far as spicy is concerned, we find a lot of options, from ingredients, sauces, condiments, spices … The options to give a spicy touch to our dishes are many. Let’s take a look at some of them:
- Chile, chili, or chili bell pepper. A good way to give a spicy touch to our dishes. In addition, the variety of these is enormous, as much in flavor, as in intensity, and we can use it fresh, ground, in sauce? It is the base of sauces such as Tabasco or Chimichurri.
- Hot paprika. Although we could include it within the chili peppers or ajis. It is very crushed hot peppers, in powder form.
- Wasabi: A Japanese condiment, which comes from a root. It belongs to the same family as mustard.
- Ginger. Another root also with spicy touches. In addition, it stands out for its healthy properties.
In our pantry we find a multitude of spices with a very spicy touch.
- Pepper. A fundamental spice in our kitchens but, if we overdo it, it will make our dishes extra spicy.
- Curry. Curry is a spice from India and Thailand. Widely used in both gastronomies, it flavors and adds a unique flavor to each dish. A slightly spicy flavor depending on its elaboration, because we can find different types of curry. Since this spice is a mixture of different spices. The curry includes: chilli, basil, onion, ginger, turmeric, mustard, pepper, cumin, cardamom…
- Mustard, depending on its elaboration, we can find mustard with a spicier flavor than the common one. It is a perfect sauce to accompany many dishes.
- Garlic and Onion. Although if we compare them with the best chili peppers, logically these two ingredients do not sting. But, for a palate like ours, not very experienced in spicy food, garlic and onion are two basic ingredients of our gastronomy that provide a very mild spicy touch to our dishes.
And you, have you already decided how to celebrate Spicy Food Day? What spicy condiments are your favorites? If you liked it, remember to leave us your comments, ideas, opinions… We love to read them!
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