The chemistry of sweet heat
Ancient roots of sweet heat
Global champions of sweet-and-spicy
The modern swicy invasion
alicecooks Combine sweet and spicy ingredients to learn how contrast creates the perfect flavor balance.
alicecooks Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
Smokeless pits, smokeless pits, we're keeping the flavor underground!
alicecooks To make xocoatl, they mixed ground roasted cacao beans with water, chili peppers, vanilla, and honey for a stimulating ceremonial drink.
What was the name of the ancient Aztec beverage that combined roasted cacao with chili peppers and vanilla?
Which ancient civilization is credited with first domesticating the cacao tree around 1500 BCE?
alicecooks Drizzling chili crisp over vanilla ice cream represents centuries of global botanical exchange.
Which European explorer mistakenly named chili peppers 'peppers' because he thought they were related to black peppercorns?
In which global region did chili peppers originate before spreading worldwide in the 15th and 16th centuries?
Chili currency: In the ancient Aztec empire, chili peppers were so highly valued that they were sometimes used as currency and to pay taxes.
Which sour-sweet tropical fruit is a staple ingredient in classic Indian chutneys and sweet-spicy sauces?
What is the ancient Indian system of medicine that inspired the flavor-balancing principles of traditional chutneys?
Which sweet spice, native to the Caribbean, is also known as pimento and tastes like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves combined?
Which extremely spicy pepper is the signature heat source in traditional Jamaican jerk seasoning?