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Archive for March 14, 2010
The origin of “Knigge”
0Lately I paid for my meal in a restaurant in Vienna. In Austria, it is often said that one should give a tip of about 10% of the invoice amount. Well, I wondered why… not only because the waitress was neither friendly nor polite…
Guidelines called “Knigge” tell us how to act in society in different situations. What is the origin of these “Knigge” guidelines?
And then I found this article about a German writer called Adolph Freiherr Knigge. He is best remembered for his book Über den Umgang mit Menschen (On Human Relations). Well, this book was not at all about good manners in the first place. Mistakenly, Knigge’s work was misinterpreted and is only known today as guidelines for good manners.
What makes the chili peppers so spicy?
0While eating my delicious pizza I wondered what makes the chili peppers so hot. And the answer is quite interesting.
Chili peppers contain an alcaloid which is named capsaicin. This compound belongs to the capsaicinoids and is also the primary ingredient in pepper spray. When it comes in contact with mucous membranes, it gives you a burning sensation. Interestingly, it does not bind to taste receptors but to pain receptors in the mouth and throat.
And why is water not effective to clear this burning sensation? Capsaicin is not soluble in water.