Have you ever taken a bite of something that was perhaps just a little too spicy for your mouth to handle? When food is too spicy, it can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also ruin your meal. When you think you are going to have to put down the salsa for good, remember that there are some foods that will help save your burning tongue (and your appetite).
Capsaicin is an ingredient in plants (such as peppers) that creates a spicy taste. It has been known to as an irritant to humans and other mammals that can be very uncomfortable when brought into contact with tissues, such as your tongue. It is important to remember that capsaicin is fat-soluble, which means that drinking water will not remedy your situation.
Keeping in mind that oil and water don’t mix, try foods that are high in fat. Dairy products are known to bring the most relief, so drinking a few sips of milk or holding a spoonful of yogurt on your tongue will help ease your suffering. The fats in dairy products essentially strip the oil from your tongue, removing the uncomfortable burning sensation.
While milk and yogurt are proven to be the most effective treatments, we have also heard that chocolate and sugar can be of help. The high amounts of fat in chocolate may help to cool a burning tongue, but sugar? You’ll have to test that one and get back to us.
For more insight into everything spicy and delicious, swing by one of our Mexicali Fresh Mex Grill locations in Holden, Spencer, and Ware, MA or Dayville and Stonington, CT. Our food can be made as spicy or as mild as you want.