Why We Spice Up Our Food

My mom likes her food hot. Perhaps not quite as hot as my friend from Texas who doesn't think salsa is hot unless it leaves a red ring around your mouth, but definitely spicier than my poor palate can handle. When we share a meal, mom ladles on the salt, tobasco or hot sauce. One bite would have me sweating and panting, but mom seems to have an asbestos-lined mouth.

As we age, our sense of smell begins to fade. We have trouble detecting and distinguishing certain scents. Because taste is so dependent on scent, this also affects our ability to detect flavors. The lack of flavor sends us in search of stronger, bolder flavors. Hence, the increased use of chilies, horseradish, jalapeno, wasabi and other sharp foods and spices among older Americans.

Interestingly, sweetness is one of the most enduring tastes which must by why mom still keeps Hershey bars and Oreos on the shopping list!