Here's Why Jalapeño Peppers Are Less Spicy Than Ever - D Magazine

reminds me of these articles about why bacon and eggs are popular for breakfast or how cigarettes and diamonds were powerfully marketed through the movies.

human consumption, driven by sellers and marketers have all these downstream effects that become difficult to track historically without these reminders of how we got here, why we got here, and what do we want to do about it now?

This article discusses why jalapeño peppers are less spicy than they used to be. The main reason is that large-scale jalapeño producers prioritize consistency over spiciness for processed food products. The development of the TAM II jalapeño line, a reliably large, shiny, and mild pepper, has contributed significantly to this trend. Other factors like improved irrigation methods and a focus on visual appeal also play a role, but the primary driver is the demand for consistently mild peppers from food processing companies.