Fire Up Your National Hot & Spicy Food Day With These Scorching Products

The spiciest day of the year falls on August 19: National Hot and Spicy Food Day! If you enjoy eating food that makes your mouth sizzle, your eyes water and sends your taste-buds into a frenzy, then this holiday is for you!

A compound called capsaicinoid that is found in chili peppers is responsible for spicy sensations. Capsaicinoid concentration in a food is measured using the Scoville scale. The hottest pepper in the world is the Carolina Reaper, which has a Scoville heat unit of 2,200,000, which is 200 times hotter than a jalapeno!

Not only is spicy food painfully good, but it is also good for you. Chili peppers are high in vitamins, calcium, beta carotene and may help reduce cholesterol. Believe it or not, hot peppers may actually help protect your stomach from forming painful ulcers. The capsaicin in hot peppers assist in killing the H. pyroli bacteria, the number one cause of stomach ulcer formation.

Kick things up a notch this National Hot & Spicy Food Day with these sizzling products not for the faint of heart!

Nasonville Dairy Carolina Reaper Cheddar - The Spiciest Cheese in the World!

This is the spiciest cheese in the world! Nasonville Dairy states on their website that, "Tasting this Carolina Reaper cheese is an event–a journey that won’t be forgotten by your mouth and really your entire body. This cheese may actually cause numbing of your hands and a rush of endorphins. We are not exaggerating by saying that effects of the heat are literally felt days afterwards. For reference, the Scoville Heat Scale measures how spicy foods are in Scoville units. Tabasco tops out at 1,200 – 8,000 Scoville units. Carolina Reaper is 1.57 – 2.2 MILLION Scoville units hot! For the most daring cheese and heat lovers only."

Carolina Reaper Cheddar is available for purchase on Nasonville Dairy's website for $8.70/pound. Could you handle this mouth numbing cheese?!

Deer Creek Cheese The Rattlesnake

This cheese isn't just spicy, it's also simultaneously sweet. Infused with premium tequila and habanero peppers, The Rattlesnake is a true flavor experience. "The warmth and sweetness of the tequila open your palate to the smooth and creamy mellowness of a perfectly aged Cheddar. And just when you are wondering where the Habaneros are, the heat bursts forth for an unforgettable finish. Watch out — this cheese just might bite you back!" Tequila-infused cheese--sign us up!

You can order The Rattlesnake cheese from iGourmet.

La Quercia 'Nduja

You need this savory and spicy spread in your life! Spicy, rich and full of umami flavor, 'Nduja is a mix of fully-cured prosciutto, speck and American red pepper. La Quercia boasts that this spread is highly versatile: "Spice up a pasta sauce, grilled cheese, burger, pizza, crostini, or tacos

An integral part of any charcuterie board with crusty bread or multigrain crackers." You can buy this must-have spicy spread on the La Quercia website.

Hot Grillo's Pickles

These crunchy pickle spears are marinated in their regular brine but with fresh jalapeño peppers added. Refreshing with a kick. If you really like spice, you can even eat the peppers. Plus, they're only five calories per serving!

I typically am not a big pickle fan because there's always the risk of getting a soggy pickle...but I adore Grillo's. Always crunchy with a super fresh taste that can't be beat. I totally agree with their hashtag #WorldsBestPickle. You can find a store near you that sells Grillo's Pickles on their website.

Mr. Bing Chili Crisp

iGourmet.com says it best, "This Chinese chili condiment adds a tidal wave of flavor to everything it touches." Mr. Bing Chili Crisp is sold both in mild and spicy varieties. Give it a big stir and add it to almost any dish you desire! My favorite thing to do with the Spicy Chili Crisp is to add it to instant ramen noodles with soy sauce, green onion, and garlic for a quick and flavorful dinner. Sure to become a staple in your kitchen! Use Mr. Bing's store locator to find a retailer near you.

To cool your mouth down after indulging in any of these sizzling products, drink or eat dairy products such as plain yogurt or milk, drink something acidic like lemonade or orange juice, or munch on carbs such as bread or bagels.