Last week, we took a look at milk’s role in calming down spice.  Let’s take a look at this week at ALL foods that can call down spice for those who need it AND what to avoid if you eat something too spicy

These dairy products contain casein and fat, which bind to capsaicin and help wash it away:

• Milk (especially whole milk)
• Yogurt
• Sour cream
• Ice cream

Next, we have starchy foods that can absorb capsaicin and help reduce its contact with your mouth:

• Bread
• Rice
• Tortillas
• Potatoes

Then there are foods that are generally soothing and can help cool the mouth:

• Bananas
• Avocados
• Cucumbers
• Melons

And not fully recommended (however it is the basis of how the Scoville scale is figured out) A spoonful of sugar or honey can coat the mouth and reduce the burning:

• Honey
• Sugar

However these things help, there are a few things to avoid when you eat something too spicy.

• Water – spreads the spice around.
• Carbonated drinks – can intensify the burn.
• Alcohol – only effective in high concentrations.

Overall, if you are going to try to increase your spice tolerance, just crazy like me, or accidently eat something spicy, be care with how you reduce the heat and be smart about it.