Food: Fact or Fiction? Season 2 Episode 9 Some Like It Hot

In this episode of Food: Fact or Fiction?, titled "Some Like It Hot," host Michael McKean explores the spicy side of food. He delves into the history and science behind spicy food, and looks at why some people love it while others avoid it at all costs.

Michael begins his investigation by exploring the origins of one of the world's most popular spicy condiments: hot sauce. He uncovers the surprising story of how a broken family recipe became a global phenomenon, and goes inside a hot sauce factory to see just how this fiery condiment is made.

Next, Michael visits a chili pepper farm to learn more about the different types of spicy peppers and what gives them their heat. He finds out that it's not just the seeds that make peppers hot, but also a chemical compound called capsaicin.

With this knowledge, Michael heads to a local restaurant to challenge himself to eat the hottest curry on the menu. He also learns about the Scoville scale, a measurement of a pepper's spiciness, and tries to guess which peppers are the hottest based on their rating.

Throughout the episode, Michael also looks at the cultural significance of spicy food. He explores the link between heat and pleasure in both food and sex, and investigates the role of spicy food in traditional medicine.

As always, Michael also separates fact from fiction when it comes to spicy food. He debunks myths about the health benefits of eating spicy food and whether or not milk really does help cool down your mouth after eating something spicy.

Overall, "Some Like It Hot" is a fascinating exploration of the world of spicy food. It's sure to make viewers think twice before they reach for that hot sauce bottle.