More about chilli seeds

Chilli plants and seeds have spread across every continent and have been bred into literally hundreds of varieties in every conceivable shape, colour and size.

The active ingredient in chillies, mostly concentrated around the seeds, is called Capsaicin and it has a rather peculiar effect on us, activating the heat receptors in the throat and mouth. The brain responds to the burning sensation by raising the heart rate and releasing endorphins, ready to counteract the pain so they really do bring about a real sense of both pain and pleasure. In actual fact Capsaicin does you no harm whatsoever.

People grow chillies from seeds for a variety of different reasons, reflected by the different World of Chillies Seed Collections. Most people have a fascination with the effects of Capsaicin and want to grow the serious hot varieties such as Bhut Jolokia, the Naga Morich and chillies from the Habanero family.

Some are interested by the ornamental qualities of these beautiful, sometimes weird and wonderful fruits and others are connoisseurs of different varieties, applying different chillies to a wide range of cuisines and dishes.

Others have more of an emphasis on growing chillies that cannot be bought commercially for specific culinary purposes

DAVINA McCALL FORCED TO EAT OWN FOOT

HEAVY snow across the south east of England last night forced Big Brotherpresenter Davina McCall to eat her own foot.

McCall had been road testing Garnier’s new, all-weather Revitalift chin nourishing gel when at least 200,000 skin-deadening snowflakes crashed into the side of her car on the A21 near Sevenoaks.

Quickly realising she was not on television and the nearest camera was more than two days away by snow shoe, McCall telephoned BBC FiveLive to let them know her chin looked and felt fabulous.

But she added: “The Garnier helicopter is unable to get through. My feet are very cold. If only I could get out and dance like the stars of my new Sky One show Got To Dance.”

After a few minutes McCall became delirious, drifting in and out of consciousness. Moments later she said: “My right foot has gone completely numb. I suppose I should take this opportunity to eat it without hurting myself.”

The BBC presenters tried desperately to dissuade her before they were bombarded with texts and emails from thousands of angry listeners telling them to mind their own business.

McCall then attempted to deliver a running commentary on her foot-meal but her speech became increasingly muffled as she devoured her toes before working her way steadily towards the ankle.

After six minutes of chewing she let out a colossal belch and began interviewing herself in a frenzied manner which BBC doctors stressed was completely normal for Davina McCall.

Meanwhile the Met Office has repeated its warning that it’s, you know, snowing a lot, so just stay indoors for a couple of days and watch telly.

A spokesman added: “Unless, of course, your chin is fully protected and you have at least three days worth of feet.”