June 24 Lowveld

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY
From traditional dishes like Sichuan hotpot and fiery Indian curry to modern
favourites such as piquant Korean kimchi or sriracha-infused snacks, spicy foods
have become a staple in kitchens and restaurants worldwide. And you need
only see the huge variety of home-made tongue-tingling chilli sauces, jams and
relishes at local markets to know that in the Lowveld, we like it hot.
The good news is that beyond the thrill of the burn, spicy foods offer a plethora
of benefits, ranging from improved metabolism to a distinctly enhanced culinary
experience. We delve into the spicy foods trend and take a look at the advantages
of adding a little spice to your life.
Enhanced flavour profile
Spicy ingredients like chilli peppers,
jalapenos, ginger, garlic and curry
powders add depth and complexity to
dishes, elevating them from ordinary
to extraordinary. The heat from these
ingredients stimulates the taste
buds, awakening the palate to new
sensations and flavours.
Metabolism boost
Capsaicin, the compound responsible
for the heat in spicy foods, has been
linked to increased metabolism and
calorie burning. Incorporating spicy
foods into your diet may aid in weight
management and promote fat loss
over time.
Pain relief
Believe it or not, the same compound
that causes the burning sensation in
spicy foods, capsaicin, can also provide
pain relief. Capsaicin creams are often
used topically to alleviate muscle and
joint pain, making spicy foods not only
delicious, but potentially therapeutic
as well.
Mood enhancement
Capsaicin also triggers the release of
endorphins, the body’s natural moodenhancing
chemical. Endorphins help
relieve stress, reduce pain and improve
your general sense of well-being.
Potential health benefits
Beyond their culinary appeal, spicy
foods may offer several health
benefits. Capsaicin has been linked
to improved heart health, reduced
inflammation and even pain relief.
Additionally, the antimicrobial
properties of certain spices may
help ward off pathogens. Never
mind the apple - a chilli a day
keeps the doctor away!
Keep in mind that if you’re new to
spicy foods, it’s a good idea to start
with milder options and gradually
work your way up to spicier dishes.
This will allow your taste buds
to adapt to the heat over time.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
with different spices and flavour
combinations. Whether it’s
adding chipotle powder to chilli
or drizzling sriracha on pizza, the
possibilities are endless. For a true
taste explosion, balance your fiery
dishes with cooling ingredients
like tzatziki (a delicious yogurt,
lemon, garlic and cucumber dip)
or avocado to help temper the
heat and balance the flavours.
The spicy foods trend opens
the door to a world of flavour
and potential health benefits
for adventurous eaters, and
fortunately for us, there are a
host of local eateries that offer
scrumptious tongue-tingling food
options, from fiery Arrabiata pasta
to peri-peri prawns and chicken
tikka masala.
By incorporating spicy
ingredients into your diet in
creative ways and experimenting
with different tastes, you can
experience the full spectrum of
heat and flavour that spicy foods
have to offer. So go ahead, spice
up your meals and ignite your
taste buds with the fiery delights
of the spicy foods trend.