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How the Scoville Scale Works
Now, scientists extract the heat-inducing chemicals and measure their pungency by using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The relative heat is measured in Scoville heat units (SHUs). That stands as the primary means of determining spiciness in food (and the effectiveness, in another use of capsaicin which is one of the major capsaicinoids of pepper spray).
A bell pepper, for example, checks in on the Scoville scale at zero SHUs. Chomping down on a bell pepper would not prompt so much as a raised eyebrow or a reach for a glass of water. But that s the absolute bottom of the scale. From there, things get interesting.
Roast tomato and harissa tart with an oat crust recipe
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Lucy grew up with this recipe, as it is a favourite of her mumâs. It was originally a Jane Grigson recipe, a cook her mother often turned to for inspiration. Thereâs no need to roll out this dough â just press it straight into the tin.
Prep time: 15 minutes |
125g porridge oats
125g fat (we use a half-and-half mixture of butter and Trex, but you can use all butter)
1 large egg, beaten
1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
1 large egg
1 heaped tbsp grated Parmesan
60g cheddar, grated, plus extra for the top (optional)