Why do people think black pepper is spicy?

DU Duanmengyan asked on 29 May 2020, 09:52
1 answers / 751 views / 0 votes
DA

Because it is.

Despite what we learned in grade school the tongue can discern six (yes, six) tastes.

  • Sweet
  • Sour (Acid
  • Salty
  • Savory (Umami)
  • Bitter
  • Fat (new studies support this)

“Spicy” is not actually a “taste” but a sensation of pain on the papillae of the tongue. Black pepper causes a slight sensation of pain and also sends aromatic compounds into the nasal cavity where black pepper gets its personality.

Related Questions