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The story of chili

I forsake my blog a bit these days. I have a little less free time, and then the "discoveries" are, over time, a little more rare, obviously.

That said, it is an essential aspect of Thai culinary culture that I still have not addressed: the chili.

Much of the Thai dishes are spicy, and when they are, ignite the palate. And it's even harder to bear because, while you're drinking 3 liters of water to try to extinguish the fire, you will see that most Thai rajoutent pepper.

But where does this idea? How can we destroy so the taste of food and replace it with a burn?

First, the chili is not in the Thai food since time immemorial. The Portuguese and Spaniards, according to their explorations of the fifteenth and sixteenth century that brought the peppers: from South America they were trying to colonize to Asia, where Europeans settled the coptoirs business.

Chilli rained and perfectly suited to the climate, was quickly installed in the culinary habits of Thai, already accustomed to "mix" the cuisines from many surrounding countries.

Interest spice in the kitchen is obvious ... The existence of "spice up something" is in itself an explanation.

But from our point of view, that parsimony is right. Our kitchen is quite attached to the balance of flavors and accommodates poorly volcanic eruption caused by a very spicy dish. It is quite difficult to understand the craze, and even addiction to that feeling.

When I talk about addiction, I'm not kidding. There comes a point where some resent more food if it is not spicy. I know a lot of Thai that are in this case, and it's a safe bet that the same is true for countries like India or Mexico, large consumers of chili. The clearest evidence in Thailand, is the fact that fruit is sold with a small bag containing a mixture sugar, salt and pepper ... Strawberries chili is not bad but a bit surprising.

Research has been done on the subject. Why is it so some people like spicy food? They came to the conclusion that the pleasure experienced when eating spicy is comparable to that which can be made when a round coaster. They call it "controlled risk". Blight of pepper is similar to the feel of a real burn but causes no damage. As the roller coaster has the feeling of falling ... without the crash. Thus, small little, the body gets used to this feeling, it will not disappear, but will no longer be associated with danger.

For a taste for chili s'aqcuiert. Children here start gradually. Primary schools for example do not serve food spicy. The habit will come with time.

Did you enjoy the first glass of red wine you drank? Probably not. This is because these complex sensations require time.

Me too it took me some time. And after spending a year here, I'm able to enjoy eating spicy dishes enough (read: very spicy according to our scale franchouille) and survive well bodied dishes (not far from the nuclear to a neophyte).

I have not lost the taste for non-spicy dishes. In fact, researchers have shown, not used numbs the tongue, it just makes the pain bearable, if not significant.

Yes, it is not far from masochism ... but this kind of atitude "strange" occurs all the time. Look at the sports addicted to endorphins, the crazy extreme sports, adrenaline junkies.

The chili is a little "extreme sport" of the kitchen. With practice, you have less fear. For many, a little from time to time is enough. For others, there is never enough.

Oh, and also with the habit of the palace, has used the rest of the digestive system. I will pass the details, but it is obvious that the disappearance of heartburn and other are significant.

Practical Advice:

" Well all that's nice. I understand that if you're used to, it hurts less, but now, I, I come to Thailand on holiday in 1 month, and I will not stay more than two weeks, so how do I do? .

not panic. Here are some survival tips.

1. Prevention:

• Learn the spicy and non spicy dishes. There are many dishes in Thailand perfectly delicious non-spicy. In such "safe haven", it is the "fried rice" ( kaow pad gai, kaw moo pad ), the "fried chicken (gai yang ) with sticky rice ( kaow niaow ), satay skewers or " pad thai" (generally, the sauces are separate pieces).
  short, a lot of dishes. All this will be illustrated with a small pronunciation guide, comments and level of spice ... when I have time.
  
  
• In the case of " pad thai", it can happen that is served hot (yes, each in his recipe, like the cassoulet). Then the sentence to add that it saves the "Pett Mai" (I write about as you pronounce it). It means "not spicy" and they usually will listen. However, the dish can still be very hot after that. In fact, it depends on the number of tourists visiting the area. If the restaurant is very touristy, there are chances that the kitchen is already somewhat spicy. However, the small vendor deep in the street that almost never sees "farang" will conclude the "Mai Pett" unless you want a pound of pepper in your dish.
  
  
• Sort ... Some dishes are served with big morcaux peppers. Including greens. Even some Thai leave them apart, because they are supposed to be "infused" in the dish. And do not be ashamed, you're not the first.

2. When it's too late, and there is a fire

• If you're in a restaurant quite touristy (a to d that they speak English pretty well and that the customer is not really local), and you have specifically stated "Pett Nai" or "Not Spicy" then return the dish ... Kindly but firmly.
  
  
• If you do not have the heart or the ability to return the dish, then know that water provides only very temporary solace. The most effective is milk "nhom" and rice "kaow.
  Small bracket "minute scientific": The burning sensation is due to capsaicin. It is not soluble in water, drink 3 liters of Evian soothe but let the "spicy" in the mouth. By cons, casein, found in dairy products off of the neuro-capsaicin receptor to "wash" the tongue and palate.
  
  
• As you are probably all red and crying, my final advice is: watch your fingers. If you happen to have some spice on it and you rub your eyes, you'll remember it clean for a while.
  
  
• Be patient ... The feeling dissipates rather quickly, in fact after 5 minutes, usually (but they seem looooooongues).

That's all for Today

I hope this will help you appreciate even more your future stay in Thailand!