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elbanditoroso's avatar

Are Scoville numbers constant, or do they increase/decrease over time and with heating/cooling?

Asked by elbanditoroso (33686points) April 26th, 2021

Scoville numbers (SHU – Scoville Heat Units) are a measure of spiciness in Chilis and peppers.

Are these numbers constants? Once measured, does the SHU change when the spice has been heated in a recipe, or cooled in the refrigerator? Does a SHU remain constant over time? (for instance, a pepper sitting in a bowl for a month)

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3 Answers

canidmajor's avatar

I have wondered this! What about allowing them to ripen for longer before picking? Will a green Anaheim or Poblano have a higher Scoville if they are allowed to redden som before picking?
Wonderful Q, @elbanditoroso, I hope someone here actually knows.

And, BTW, sorry I couldn’t answer.

canidmajor (21766points)“Great Answer” (2points) Flag as…
Tropical_Willie's avatar

I know when I cook chili the heat drops after cooking overnight. I have to bump it back up by adding garlic and chili powder before serving.

Definitive answer on SHU up and then down while cooking.

Tropical_Willie (31594points)“Great Answer” (1points) Flag as…
janbb's avatar

I don’t have a scientific answer but I made tacos from a kit last night well past their sell by date (not the meat) and they were much hotter than usual. So it seems like the mix got stronger through time.

janbb (63346points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…

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