Some like it hot: A temporal analysis of hedonic responses to chili pepper

The cross-sectional data suggest a developmental sequence for the acquisition of a liking for chili pepper, and a system for categorizing hedonic responses to chili pepper is suggested.

Abstract

Possible explanations for the acquisition of a liking for the initially negative oral "pain" sensations produced by chili pepper are reviewed. In addition, a temporal hedonic rating technique developed to facilitate systematic investigation of this phenomenon is described. Results suggest a system for categorizing hedonic responses to chili pepper. Some subjects dislike chili pepper at all concentrations. For other groups of subjects, weaker or stronger burns are found to be pleasant and to enhance the accompanying flavors. A subset of these latter subjects liked the isolated burn that remains in the mouth after the other flavors have disappeared. The cross-sectional data suggest a developmental sequence for the acquisition of a liking for chili pepper.