Capsaicin is the compound that gives chili peppers their spicy kick. When you cut or chop chilies, capsaicin can get on your skin, causing a burning sensation. It also stimulates the nervous system, making us feel a stinging sensation.
How to Cut Chilies Without the Burn
Capsaicin is typically concentrated in the white pith inside the chili. This means that the tip of the chili is less spicy than the stem end. To reduce the spiciness, some people remove the pith. However, this is also where many of the nutrients are found. So, how can you cut chilies without the burn? Let’s find out!
Wear Gloves
To minimize the burning sensation after handling chilies, it’s a good idea to wear protective gear, such as gloves. Additionally, when cutting chilies, instead of using your fingernails, press the chilies with the tips of your fingers. This will prevent the chili’s oils from being released and causing irritation.
Remove the Pith and Seeds
If you’re cutting a large chili, don’t cut off the stem first. Instead, carefully separate the chili and remove the white pith and seeds inside. This will significantly reduce the spiciness of the chili.
Use Vinegar
A little-known trick is to use vinegar. Before handling chilies, apply a layer of vinegar to your hands and hold them over a flame for 1-2 minutes. This will allow you to cut chilies without worrying about the burning sensation.
Apply Cooking Oil
Applying a layer of sesame or cooking oil to your hands before handling chilies is similar to moisturizing your hands. Put a drop of oil in your palm and slowly rub it all over your hands. This will create a protective barrier, so even if you handle a lot of chilies, you won’t feel the burn.
Soak Chilies in Salted Water
A trick often used in restaurants is to soak chilies in salted water before cutting them. This helps to reduce their spiciness.
Tips for Handling Chili Burn
If you accidentally get chili on your hands, don’t worry! Try some of these tips to reduce the burning sensation.
Wash Hands with Warm Water
When your hands are burning from chilies, your first instinct might be to wash them with cold water. However, this is ineffective. Instead, wash your hands with warm or hot water.
It’s best to soak your hands for a short time. Although it may be uncomfortable at first, you’ll get used to it. Capsaicin is only removed after soaking for more than 15 minutes. Keep adding hot water while soaking, and finally, wash your hands as usual and dry them.
Apply Toothpaste
Applying toothpaste after handling spicy chilies is an effective way to reduce the burning sensation. Take some toothpaste and apply it to the affected area. Once it dries, apply a second coat. You should notice a significant improvement within 10 minutes.
Use Flour
After cutting chilies, don’t rush to wash your hands. Instead, put some flour on your hands and rub them together a few times. When your hands are fully coated in flour, rinse them with water. The capsaicin will be removed along with the flour.
Wash Hands with Soap
You can also wash your hands with soap, as the alkaline nature of soap will help neutralize the burning sensation. Wash your hands immediately with soap and scrub them for about 5 minutes to reduce the symptoms.
Use Tea
After handling spicy chilies, pour some tea over the affected area. You can also use tea leaves to rub the area, as capsaicin dissolves in alkaline solutions like tea.
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