Candy Canes

Yesterday I made a promise to start really trying to get into the holiday spirit. Well, today I had my first candy cane of the season. So that’s a start. I thought for a moment that I could get today’s post by waxing lyrical about the candy cane for a couple of hundred words. Unfortunately, it wasn’t that good a candy cane. Don’t get me wrong, it was good. Just not waxing lyrical good. Luckily, it did raise a question.

Why do I like peppermint? Or any mint for that matter? I recently wrote a piece about being a supertaster, and in that piece, I talked about how it makes me a very picky eater. Basically, I don’t like strong flavors. But peppermint is a strong flavor and I like it. What gives?

I’ve wondered about this before but never found a satisfactory answer. Sometimes I think it’s the thrill seeker in me even though I have no inner thrill seeker. The theory runs that I can eat an incredibly strong flavor like peppermint the same way other people eat hot peppers. It’s a rush.

My other theory is that whatever it is about mint that makes the mouth feel cool is what allows me to enjoy the strong flavor. Maybe the cool sensation deadens my sensitivity just enough. It’s like putting ice on a boo-boo.

Whatever the reason, I do like candy canes. Despite their strong flavor, I find them a refreshing way to celebrate the holiday season. I had my first today. Hopefully, I’ll have many more in the days to come.