Some Like Them Hot: The Fiery Appeal of Hot Peppers

Enthusiasts are drawn to their colorful culinary potential—or simply the thrill of the challenge

Experimenting with chiles of different pedigrees and forms—fresh, dried, crushed, powdered—could become a lifelong obsession. Sea Wave/Shutterstock

It’s the gustatory equivalent of saying “hold my beer.” Grab a glistening, hot chile pepper—one jewel-toned beauty with a volcanic pedigree—and take the dare.

Just know that once you pop that capsicum into your mouth, there is no turning back. No amount of water, beer, milk, or bread can fully put out the flame.