Wilder theorizes that, in the early 1980s, people became more aware of spices because of their travels. They weren t just going to Europe any more. They were traveling to Asia, Central America, and South America, spicy places they hadn t been. After sampling their recipes, they wanted to duplicate them back home. And when Americans began worrying about their bulging bellies they turned to spices to beef up bland dishes.
People are willing to eat smaller portions only if that portion really tastes wonderful.
They re interested in big flavors and chile offers that. Karen Adler, publisher of Pig Out Publications, Kansas City, Missouri, says that many immigrants from the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico have also contributed to the growth of the Fiery Foods Industry. During the late 1980s in the Midwest, we started seeing jalape o peppers in grocery stores. Then in the 90s the stores began selling a variety of peppers. As more and more people become knowledgeable about chile, says Adler, they are adding the pungent fruit to their recipes, including barbecue sauces, relishes and chutney.