We’re eating spicy curry and instant ramen then chompin’ on lemons, for science!
Spicy food lovers will already know several of the traditional ways to counteract the spiciness of certain foods. Yogurt, for example, pairs nicely with a spicy curry, and if your mouth is really burning, some swear by sipping a glass of milk to soothe inflamed taste buds.
Recently, however, there have been new rumors floating around (possibly started by our writer Japanese Yoshio, who has all the best ideas) that suggest that fresh lemon can cut the spiciness of foods, with best results achieved by simply chomping into one of the citrusy fruits following a bite of something spicy.
Now, we reckon that this probably works the same way as taking a shot of tequila, with the bitterness of the lemon juice helping to distract from everything else that’s going on taste-wise. But as for actually taking away spiciness? We were skeptical.
Luckily, our madcap Japanese staff writers were willing to take one for the team by trying this one out themselves. Let’s see how they got on…
First, to assemble the tools of the experiment.
From left to right, a spicy arabbiata gyu-don, a spicy cup ramen, and curry takeout from Coco-Ichibanya, with a spicy rating of 10. Oh, and some fresh lemons.
First, the arabbiata. Our taste-tester, while brave, wasn’t feeling confident enough to dive straight into the deep end, so he opted for the least spicy option, making sure to follow up his first bite with… a chomp on an intact lemon.
Tip for those who may be thinking of trying this at home: beware of spurting lemon juice!
Feeling that the arabbita gyu-don, with its balancing base of bland yet comforting white rice, wasn’t perhaps the best way to test the validity of the hypothesis, we quickly moved on to the spicy cup ramen, which included real chili oil as an ingredient.
A hearty slurp, and…
A quick chomp of lemon, and…
“The lemons! They do nothing!” he squealed.
Unfortunately, the experiment was deemed a failure from that point on, since our taste-taster was experiencing extreme agony and lemon-related retinal distress. However, our writer Yoshio wasn’t willing to watch a delicious Coco-Ichibanya curry go to waste, and demanded that our weeping taste-tester see this through to the bitter end. So, on we go!
Spicy factor 10 beef curry bento!
The face of a man anticipating pain:
But maybe, just maybe, the lemons might have some effect this time?!
Hmm… nope.
So there you have it guys! Don’t believe everything you hear around the office water cooler, especially if it comes from Yoshio.
All images © RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]
Japan’s favorite curry rice restaurant teams up with convenience store for Super Spicy Curry Buns
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan unveils new peach milk pudding drink that’s like a decadent dessert
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa