News Chemistry

A new portable device can reveal a chili pepper’s heat

The gadget detects capsaicin, a compound that helps give peppers their kick

chili peppers

A device called the Chilica-pod detects levels of capsaicin in chili peppers to estimate how much heat a pepper packs.

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By Erin Garcia de Jesús

- More than 2 years ago

Just how hot is your chili pepper? A new chili-shaped device could quickly signal whether adding the pepper to a meal might set your mouth ablaze.