I seem to remember reading vinegar was used between sponge uses so the burn issue could have been known and solved in antiquity by that.
Also, while new world peppers weren’t available during the Roman Empire the old world had black pepper, long pepper, horseradish and likely other “hot” spices were available to old world peoples.
I seem to remember reading vinegar was used between sponge uses so the burn issue could have been known and solved in antiquity by that.
Also, while new world peppers weren’t available during the Roman Empire the old world had black pepper, long pepper, horseradish and likely other “hot” spices were available to old world peoples.
I wasn’t thinking about piperine based spicy foods. That makes me wonder how much piperine it would take to burn your bum.
My assumption is that vinegar isn’t for the possible spiciness, it’s that it would help neutralize the smell.
I just realized mustard may have been another option for hot spiciness in antiquity.
If you can’t get anything spicy, the kernels of rose hips can be used as a devilish itching powder.