They make us sweat, they make us cry, and they leave us virtually speechless so why do we eat them? — In this sizzling program, MODERN MARVELS® travels from Avery Island, Louisiana, home of the famous Tabasco® man... more »ufacturer, McIlhenny Company, to Sparks, Maryland, where the leading spice manufacturer, McCormick, is located. At the Chile Pepper Institute in New Mexico, taste the rare Bhut Jolokia, the hottest chile pepper in the world, and learn about the chemical substance capsaicin, which gives peppers their tongue-burning heat. At Michael Jordan s SolToro restaurant in Connecticut, learn how customers must sign a waiver to dine on their sizzling dishes. Finally, witness how the heat many people savor can be used as a weapon during a demonstration of the debilitating power of pepper spray.
From horseradish and wasabi to mustard and spices, HOT AND SPICY offers a unique insight into the science behind the heat and how it has generated an incredible multibillion-dollar industry.« less