Hot and Spicy International Food Day is celebrated annually on January 16. It is an unofficial holiday dedicated to the eating of spicy foods, particularly of international origin. The holiday is celebrated in the United States. It is not listed as a day of celebration elsewhere in the world.http://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/international-hot-spicy-food-dayHot and Spicy International Food Day shares January 16 with National Fig Newton Day and National Nothing Day.http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/januaryfoodcalendar.htmlhttp://www.holidayinsights.com/other/nothingday.htm

There are literally hundreds of types of herbs and spices throughout the world. Each can provide a unique flavor sensation on its own. In combination, herbs and spices can take on different qualities and characteristics that can make the sum much different that the individual spices alone.http://www.ebfnb.org/fnbopsmanual/herbsspices.htmlEach culture differs in how they combine spices to make the flavors in their foods. For example, India cuisine may feature any or all combinations of garlic, paprika, ginger, etc.http://www.food-india.com/recipe/R051_R75/R071.htm

The exact origins of Hot and Spicy International Food Day is unknown. Hot and spicy food has been a part of the human diet for over 6000 years. Many cultures use a variety of spices as staples in the diet. For example, cayenne pepper is a common spice used in Cajun, Thai, Russian, Tex Mex and Asian cuisines, just to name a few.http://recipes.epicurean.com/asc_results.jsp?Chili&ingredients=Cayenne+Pepper

Besides the flavors that hot spices add to foods, there is also literature stating that hot and spicy foods can be good for killing bacteria in food. Garlic, oregano, onions and allspice are examples of bacteria-killing spices. It is believed that ancient cultures, especially those in hotter climates, adapted when they learned that foods high in spices allowed them to remain healthier than bland foods. While they probably did not understand the science behind this practice, they knew they lived longer than their predecessors. The practice of spicing food would be passed on to their children. It is now a common practice to season foods with spices, but because technology has advanced so that food is better preserved, people add spices because they enjoy the flavor of hot and spicy food.http://www.news.cornell.edu/chronicle/98/3.5.98/spices.html

People who love hot foods can mark this day with their favorite spicy international foods. Many people make Cajun dishes flavored with Cajun seasonings such as hot pepper sauce or Creole seasoning Dishes such as jambalaya or gumbo are popular.http://www.gumbopages.com/recipe-page.html Others may try a Tex-Mex menu with chili, nachos or tamales.http://www.texmex.net/ Asian menus could include Thai Chicken Curry, Lamb Korma and Chicken Kapitan.http://www.asianfood-recipes.com/Hot_And_Spicy_Recipes/Hot_And_Spicy_Recipes.php