Instructions: If a dish with chilies is too hot for you, dont reach for a glass of water.

Instead, try a sip of milk or a bite of cheese to relieve the burn.

Why? Chilies get their heat from volatile oils that range in intensity from mildly warm to blisteringly hot. While water just spreads the fire, proteins in dairy products quickly neutralize the oils, lessening the sensation of heat.

Gut its not just the tongue and taste buds that can suffer the effects of this large family of pungent pods. If care is not taken when seeding and slicing chilies, you can be left with hands that feel as though theyve been scorched.

To safely clean a chili, use a small sharp knife and hold the chili by the stem end, being careful to avoid touching cut surfaces of the chili with your bare skin. Even better, slip small plastic baggies over your hands or wear rubber or plastic gloves when working with chilies. Avoid touching your face, especially the eyes, nose and lips, while working with chilies.

When youre done preparing the chili, discard the baggies and wash your hands and/or gloves, cutting board and knife with soapy water and rinse well.

If you do burn your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soapy water and rinse well. Ice packs may help reduce discomfort. For eye burns, rinse well with clear, warm water.

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