The pungency detection thresholds for capsaicin in aqueous and oil based solutions were determined and compared.  Thresholds were measured for 21 students (12 chili �users� and 9 �non-users�) using a 3-alternative forced choice sensory test with ascending concentrations of capsaicin in aqueous (0.025 ppm, 0.045 ppm, 0.090 ppm, 0.180 ppm and 0.036 ppm) and oil solutions (0.150 ppm, 0.450 ppm, 1.350 ppm, 4,05 ppm). In addition, the panelists were asked where the irritation occurred (throat, tongue or both).  The group best estimate thresholds for capsaicin were 0.080 ppm (+/- 0.275 SD) in aqueous and 0.826 ppm (+/- 0.405 SD) in oil solutions. �Users� of hot food generally had lower thresholds than �non-users�. Differences between �users� and �non-users� were more pronounced in oil-based solutions, but the differences were not significant, suggesting that no desensitization effects occur. In most cases the first irritation was experienced in the throat.  The pungency detection thresholds for capsaicin in aqueous and oil based solutions were determined and compared.  Thresholds were measured for 21 students (12 chili �users� and 9 �non-users�) using a 3-Alternative forced choice sensory test with ascending concentrations of capsaicin in aqueous (0.025 ppm, 0.045 ppm, 0.090 ppm, 0.180 ppm and 0.036 ppm) and oil solutions (0.150 ppm, 0.450 ppm, 1.350 ppm, 4,05 ppm). In addition, the panelists were asked where the irritation occurred (throat, tongue or both).  The group best estimate thresholds for capsaicin were 0.080 ppm (+/- 0.275 SD) in aqueous and 0.826 ppm (+/- 0.405 SD) in oil solutions. �Users� of hot food generally had lower thresholds than �non-users�. Differences between �users� and �non-users� were more pronounced in oil-based solutions, but the differences were not significant, suggesting that no desensitization effects occur. In most cases the first irritation was experienced in the throat.

Determination of thresholds for capsaicin in aqueous and oil based solutions

245th National Meeting (2013)

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