Spiciest: meaning, definitions and examples

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spiciest

 

[ˈspaɪsiɪst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

food heat

The term 'spiciest' refers to the highest level of spiciness or heat in food. It indicates that a dish contains a significant amount of spices, particularly those that produce a burning sensation in the mouth, such as chili peppers. This adjective is often used to compare different dishes or ingredients regarding their heat levels.

Synonyms

hotter, piquant, zestier.

Examples of usage

  • This curry is the spiciest I've ever tasted.
  • I can't handle the spiciest salsa at this restaurant.
  • She loves the spiciest dishes from Thai cuisine.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Culture

  • Chili peppers originated in Central and South America and are now used in cuisines worldwide.
  • Dishes like Indian curry or Mexican salsa often feature super spicy ingredients, making them favorites among heat lovers.
  • The Scoville scale measures the heat of peppers, with the hottest varieties like Carolina Reaper and Trinidad Moruga Scorpion scoring over 1 million Scoville Heat Units.

Health Benefits

  • Spicy foods may boost metabolism and help with weight loss by increasing body temperature.
  • Capsaicin, the compound in chili peppers that makes them hot, can reduce pain by numbing certain nerve receptors.
  • Eating spicy foods has been linked to releasing endorphins, which can create feelings of happiness.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, spicy food is associated with celebration, such as in festivals with flavorful dishes that bring families together.
  • Some cultures believe that spicy foods can help ward off illness and parasites, connecting spice with health and wellness practices.
  • Hot sauce competitions and festivals have become popular events, showcasing the creativity and intensity of spice enthusiasts.

Psychology

  • People who enjoy spicy foods often experience a thrill that can lead to feeling more adventurous in other areas of life.
  • The sensation of heat from spicy foods can trigger the brain's pleasure receptors, creating a 'spicy high' similar to a runner's high.
  • Some studies suggest that those who prefer spicy flavors may have different taste thresholds compared to those who don't.

Botanical Science

  • The heat in chili peppers comes from capsaicin, which was discovered in 1846 and plays a crucial role in a plant's defense mechanism against herbivores.
  • Different types of chili peppers have unique flavor profiles and heat levels due to their genetic variations and growing conditions.
  • The colorful varieties of peppers seen in markets today have been cultivated for centuries for both their spicy flavor and vivid appearance.

Translations

Translations of the word "spiciest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais picante

🇮🇳 सबसे तीखा

🇩🇪 der schärfste

🇮🇩 paling pedas

🇺🇦 найгостріший

🇵🇱 najostrzejszy

🇯🇵 最も辛い

🇫🇷 le plus épicé

🇪🇸 el más picante

🇹🇷 en acı

🇰🇷 가장 매운

🇸🇦 الأكثر حرا

🇨🇿 nejpálivější

🇸🇰 najpálivejší

🇨🇳 最辣的

🇸🇮 najbolj začinjen

🇮🇸 mest kryddaður

🇰🇿 ең ащы

🇬🇪 ყველაზე ცხარე

🇦🇿 ən acı

🇲🇽 el más picante

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,449, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.