Sqwertz wrote:
>
> On Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:30:30 -0500, zxcvbob wrote:
>
> > Most store-bought jalapeños are mild. Not just slightly hot, but mild
> > like a bell pepper. (I seek out the ones with cracks in the skins, they
> > often have a little heat.) So I started buying serranos, but they are
> > not really hot either now. Yesterday I bought a handful of little Thai
> > peppers thinking at least they would be hot. Well, some of them are,
> > barely.
> >
> > This is starting to **** me off.
>
> I think you have a problem with your hot-receptors. As far as I
> know there is no mild serrano or thai bird - and no drastic
> changes in growing conditions.

They don't "wear out", but that's not a bad
description. It's called substance P depletion,
and after long-term exposure to high levels of
capsaicin there is some permanent nerve damage.
However, it only affects the sense of pain.

I've sometimes wondered whether there would be
any ill effects from spraying myself in the
face with pepper spray, a little every day,
to desensitize myself. I remember seeing how
the protesters against logging the redwoods
were being sprayed right in the face with it,
and wouldn't that be something if they had
a few members who were completely immune to it.