Why chilli burns your mouth

A photo of a woman reacting to eating spicy food

Source: © Frantic00/Shutterstock

How milk cools things down and water doesn’t

Many of us have eaten a spicy meal that’s too hot for comfort. This article explains the chemistry going on in your mouth when you eat chilli and looks at the science happening when you drink to cool things down. Hint: cold water isn’t the answer. It also looks at the Scoville scale, a measure of the hotness of chilli.

Make your lessons pop

Choose an account option to continue exploring our full range of articles and teaching resources

Register for a personal account

Free

Free access for everyone, everywhere. If you only need a few resources, start here.


What's included

  • One free teaching resource each month
  • Five free Education in Chemistry articles each month
  • Personalised email alerts and bookmarks
UK and Ireland only

Join Teach Chemistry

Free for eligible users

Free and comprehensive access for teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.


What's included

  • Unlimited access to our resources and practical videos
  • Unlimited access to Education in Chemistry articles
  • Access to our online assessments
  • Our teacher well-being toolkit and personal development resources
  • Applications for funding to support your lessons

Subscribe for extended access

£80 per year

Get unlimited articles and resources each month, plus discounts on professional development courses.


What's included

  • Unlimited access to our resources and practical videos
  • Unlimited access to Education in Chemistry articles
  • 10% off our self-led professional development courses