Why Does Wasabi Burn Your Nose?

The answer to why wasabi is such a nose burner has to do with a compound that researchers are trying to use in a creative way!

Hosted by: Stefan Chin

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[rfldss]

The fact, that we as a species have agreed that irritants, analogous to tear gas, are tasty, is something I really appreciate.

[Master_Therion]

Wait, the wasabi we get at sushi restaurants isn't real wasabi?
I always knew there was something fishy about those places...

[HTPCYMC]

I can’t believe the Wasabi lied to us about being Wasabi.

[peter-radiantpipes]

I love that wasabi gives a lot of heat but doesn’t stay burning around for another 20 minutes in your mouth.

[moosemaimer]

Oh, good. When I'm in a burning building, I keep having this thought of "man, I wish I was being tear gassed right now."

[Hinats]

Even most wasabi in Japan isn’t real wasabi. If you look at the ingredients of any packaged wasabi the main ingredient is 西洋わさび (wester wasabi/horseradish)

[silhudepol]

Horseradish is not an instrument either.

[Stanton_High]

Put those wasabi fire detectors in hotels and nobody would ever try to smoke in the rooms! 😂

[safir]

My dad used to make me eat it with my sushi because he said it kills any parasites left in the salmon.

[marcello]

I'll never forget the day when I accidentally ate Wasabi (I didn't know what it was and it was my very first time, some years ago). Worst choice ever.

[FennecTheRabbit]

But why does it make my ENTIRE HEAD tingle when I eat it?

[evaristegalois]

What did "Sushi A" say to "Sushi B"?

*WASABI !!!*

[yianhinsaechao]

it also migrates into my head, the burning PAIN..

[sebastianelytron]

Every bite of sushi without wasabi is a wasted bite.

[trenthumphrey]

One time I ate a spoonful of wasabi thinking it was guacamole. Wasn't fun. My whole body was it terrible pain.

[TONOCLAY]

A wasabi alarm? I'm pretty sure the smoke in my eyes nose and throat already burn enough as it is. And then if I'm cooking and the food is putting of a decent amount of smoke and the alarm goes off I dont need to be basically massed for no reason.

[baarni]

Hey Stefan, I take it that you like watching Engineering Explained considering you're wearing an EE shirt.... Awesome channel....

[lazyperfectionist]

Yes, Wasabi may be really good at irritating your mucus membranes, but it's _also_ really good at clearing your sinuses.

[UltraViolet]

I don't mind that burn/tingle. It goes away so quickly, unlike other spicy foods

[RubyRose]

2:19 A fire alarm for the hard of hearing that causes burning discomfort is one of the many ways in which deaf and hard of hearing populations face unethical treatment. It's hard enough to breathe during a fire, causing more discomfort is unnecessary. Think of the deaf and hard of hearing children and adults who would be affected by the implementation of such an uncomfortable alarm system. It would be much better, less cruel, and more considerate to make a fire alarms that cause vibrations that can be felt on the ground and incorporate flashing lights.