January 16 is International Hot and Spicy Food Day, a day where you get to celebrate and devour some of the spiciest dishes in the world. Every country on the globe has its cooking style and recipes. And while some nations eat mild food, others enjoy hot food items that will make you gulp down a jug of water. Yes, there are some super spicy dishes available and, guess what, people aren’t afraid to consume them. Here’s a tip before you head out on a spice-eating spree, make sure your stomach can handle the chili. Happy munching!
History of International Hot and Spicy Food Day
Spices have been consumed for over 6,000 years to add flavor to a dish and for their many health benefits. For instance, spices can combat inflammation and have healing properties. It’s due to these reasons that spices grew popular in ancient times.
Ancient Greeks imported Eastern spices such as pepper, cassia, cinnamon, and ginger to the Mediterranean since spices and herbs played a role in medical science. According to sources, Around 460 to 377 B.C. Hippocrates wrote of herbs and spices that included saffron, cinnamon, thyme, coriander, mint, and marjoram. The “Father of Botany,” as Theophrastus was known, in his two books, wrote about 600 spices and herbs in the period between 372 B.C. and 287 B.C. Romans created another use for spices — they often utilized them in spice-flavored wines and spice-scented balms and oils. Some spices also were used in poultices and healing plasters due to their healing properties. Curcumin too was used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions like arthritis, autoimmune disorders, headaches, and nausea.
That is not all. Capsaicin, an active component of chili peppers, is known to destroy cancer cells. A 2015 U.S. and China study found that eating spicy food six or seven days a week lowered mortality rates by 14%. So yes, if you never liked spicy food, it is about time you change your diet. Trust us it’s a decision you will enjoy for the rest of your life.
International Hot and Spicy Food Day timeline
Chilies are part of agriculture.
The use of spices and herbs as medicines and healing tonics begins.
Cardamom and turmeric are in the gardens of Babylon.
Spices are part of religious offerings, burial rituals, medicines, trade, and seasoning.
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See MoreInternational Hot and Spicy Food Day FAQs
What is hot and spicy?
Hot and spicy is a term used to describe something warm and contains a lot of spices.
Why is spicy food popular in hot countries?
Spices are popular in hot climates because of their antibacterial properties.
Which country loves spicy food?
Mexico is amongst the most famous countries where spices are loved.
How to Celebrate International Hot and Spicy Food Day
Go to a Mexican or Indian restaurant
To celebrate the day and experience different types of spicy food, head out to a restaurant that serves Mexican or Indian food items.
Cook something spicy at home
Don’t want to eat something too spicy? Cook a dish of your choice and adjust the spice level accordingly. How about some chilies stuffed with chicken and cheese?
Have a chili eating contest
Want to spice things up? Hold a fun chili eating contest and see who can have the most chilies in 10 minutes.
5 Fun Facts About Spicy Food
Chili pepper variety
Mexico has over 60 species.
Spices burn fat
Eat hot and spicy food to reduce weight and boost metabolism.
The hottest chili
Carolina Reaper is the world’s hottest chili state, the “Guinness World Records.”
Japan’s pepper
It is known as ‘shishito.’
Chilies and Vitamin C
A cup of chili peppers has about 107 mg of Vitamin C.
Why International Hot and Spicy Food Day is Important
It promotes spicy food
The days highlight spicy food and bring business to Mexican and Indian restaurants. It means more tips for the waiters too!
Speaks of the advantages of spices
Spicy food has some advantages for the immune system and digestive health. The day plays an essential role in highlighting them.
Introduces interesting dishes
On International Hot and Spicy Food Day, several interesting dishes one heard come to the forefront. It’s a cultural experience.
International Hot and Spicy Food Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 16 | Thursday |
| 2026 | January 16 | Friday |
| 2027 | January 16 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January 16 | Sunday |
| 2029 | January 16 | Tuesday |
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