I'm changing. As a person. Even at my age, I am still learning new things about myself. I am learning to do away the old ideas I have lived with for so long. I have learned that your horizons will never be broadened if you're unwilling or afraid to try new things. This applies to everything, but since my life has become entirely about food, I'm thinking about spice.
I was never a fan of spicy food. I always dismissed the very thought of it, saying it made no sense to eat something that caused pain or discomfort. But I am changing and I am trying and it's opening the door to new experiences for me.
I still don't see the point in eating foods so spicy that they endanger my life. I doubt I'll ever do that, but I have opened up to red pepper flakes, jalapenos, and other low-end spicy things that never would have gotten near my plate.
Let's think about this. What are the basic flavor profiles?
Sweet
Savory
Salty
Umami
Sour
Bitter
and last but not least...
Spicy.
You can't live a complete life without experiencing every one of these flavors. You may not like them all. Some people don't like sweets. I do not understand these people. These people are not from the planet earth. I am not big on fermented stuff like sauerkraut or kimchi. I don't hate it, but I am not a huge fan. But I've tried it.
Spicy food gets a bad rap and I think it's unfair. I think we should experience the spice, the sweet, the funk, the salt, and any conceivable combination of all the above. I think it makes us more complete as human beings.
I once read that a mind, once expanded by a new idea, can never regain its original dimensions. I believe the same applies to the palate.
So eat the spice! Don't say no jalapenos, ask for them on the side, and eat them! Even if you don't eat a ton of them. Eat one little piece, then another. Give it a fair shot. You might be surprised.
