Chillies: Some like it hot

In an evening delving into the hot, hot, hot world of all things chilli we have a taste of the science behind this most legendary fruit. Why is it so hot? Simon Cotton can answer this! Barbara Pickersgill takes us through the botany and history of the chilli. Michael Michaud shows off the hottest chilli in the world - please don’t touch! And Robert Parish presents his excruciatingly hot sauces in a tasting session for the very brave. Binding all of this together with his wit, charm and psychologist’s insight is Richard Wiseman.

Ever wondered what a 3700-year-old chilli looks like? Barbara Pickersgill is bringing along desiccated chillies and fossilised faeces from Peru to peruse. Find out how cautious you needed to be about your chilli 3000 years ago…

So what causes the burn? Simon Cotton examines the active ingredient in chillies, capsaicin. You might never look at your spice rack in the same way again.

What’s the best way of growing chillies? Michael Michaud has all the answers, plus a horticultural history of growing chillies in the UK. He‘s also bringing the Dorset naga - the hottest chilli in the world!

What are ‘untouchables’? Robert Parish’s selection of extremely hot sauces includes some you should definitely keep your hands off. Robert will describe some of their history. And there’ll be the opportunity to try out very, very, very small quantities… with emergency de-heat remedies on hand. WE CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EFFECT - YOU TRY THEM AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Whether you have an interest in botany, chemistry or horticulture, or just like your food insanely hot, we have the answer for you. And to aid the digestion of ideas we have food to warm you up, including free samples, and drinks to cool you down!

Event organised by:
The Science Museum

Speakers

Barbara Pickersgill, botanist, University of Reading.
Simon Cotton, chemist, Uppingham School.
Michael Michaud, horticulturalist, Peppers By Post.
Robert Parish, Chilliworld.

Facilitator:
Richard Wiseman, Chair in the Public Understanding of Psychology, University of Hertfordshire.