Mouth First-Aid
If you've bitten of more pepper than your mouth can handle, there are a number of cooling tips recommended by the pros. First, put away that ice water! It only helps to spread the capsaicin, the main heat producing ingredient in chiles. Try milk or other dairy products such as yogurt. Dairy products are believed to contain an enzyme that counteracts the sting of the pepper. Other pros suggest beer if your taste buds are on fire. It is said to wash away the capsaicin oils and the alcohol counteracts the spicy oils in peppers. Tequila and other spirits also have a "cooling" effect. Some say a squeeze of lemon or lime will help to balance the palate. Distracting it from the heat. I personally have found that bread, crackers, tortillas or the like help. If your cooking at home you can prevent this from happening in the first place by adding a little sugar to cool an overly spicy dish. Also, the more you cut up and grind peppers the more heat they will give off when cooking. In other words, keep those jalapenos whole to avoid to much heat. No matter how much you try however, when biting into a good habanero or extra powerful serano you will likely be burning up inside! The cures aren't perfect and sometimes only the passage of time helps after biting into a really hot one. Now that you know what to do in case of emergency. Go ahead chose your weapon!
Ancho Chiles
Cascabel Chiles
Cayenne
Chile de Arbol
Chile Pequin
Chiltepin
Chipotle
Guajillo Chiles
Guero
Habanero Chiles
Jalapenos
Mulato
New Mexican Green Chiles
Pasilla/Chile Negro
Poblano Peppers
Red Fresnos
Serrano Peppers
Tabasco