Climate change is having numerous effects on the world, such as rising heat, floods, wildfires, and other severe weather events becoming more common.
However, a surprising impact of climate change has recently been discovered. According to a Bloomberg report, climate change is causing the flavor of chili peppers to become milder.
Scientists state that this is not just happening with chilies but is also affecting other foods. For example, coffee’s bitterness is increasing, and coconuts are becoming softer due to heavy rains.
Chilies, which belong to the berry family, are used as spices in cuisines worldwide. There are an estimated 4,000 varieties of chilies grown around the world, with varying colors, sizes, and intensities.
The annual trade volume of chilies is around $9 billion, with 70% of the supply coming from Asian countries.
American scientists have found that climate change is causing chilies to absorb excess moisture, which is diluting their heat. Droughts and rising temperatures have also negatively impacted chili cultivation, leading to a reduced supply.
Experts believe that every change in the climate affects chilies. Scientists are working on developing new chili varieties that can withstand climate change, but the challenge is maintaining their flavor.
In the past, eating a chili would make your mouth feel like it was on fire, causing sweat and a wave of heat throughout your body. However, scientists say that the heat of chilies is now diminishing, and eating them often doesn’t cause any significant sensation.
