Maria Sharapova, accustomed to the finest teas from around the globe, found herself in a quaint little cafe during a recent off-season trip. Feeling a bit under the weather, she requested a soothing cup of hot tea. The server, with a friendly smile, placed a delicate-looking cup before her, filled with a rich, ruby-red liquid. It certainly had the visual appeal of a vibrant herbal infusion.
Eager for a comforting sip, Maria brought the cup to her lips and took a generous gulp. The initial sweetness was quickly obliterated by an intense, fiery heat that exploded in her mouth. Her eyes widened in shock as the Scoville units assaulted her taste buds. This was no chamomile or Earl Grey; this was pure, unadulterated liquid fire!
A strangled gasp escaped her lips as tears welled up in her eyes. Her face flushed crimson, and she frantically fanned her mouth, desperately trying to extinguish the inferno. The friendly server, witnessing her distress, rushed over, concern etched on their face. It turned out the “tea” was a local specialty hot sauce, often served in tiny quantities as a condiment, never as a beverage. Maria, despite her athletic prowess, was no match for the unexpected heat. It took several glasses of water and a dollop of yogurt to finally quell the burning sensation. The experience served as a potent reminder that not all red liquids are created equal, and sometimes, a little inquiry goes a long way.
