What necessary precaution must be taken when working with fresh Tabasco peppers due to the concentrated oil?
Answer
Always wear gloves to prevent severe skin and eye irritation.
The powerful heat agent within the fresh Tabasco pepper, capsaicin, exists as a concentrated oil. This oil is highly potent and can cause significant discomfort and chemical irritation upon contact with sensitive tissues. Therefore, the text strongly advises that anyone handling these fresh peppers—whether preparing them for cooking or for making homemade infused oils—must always wear protective gloves. Failure to do so can lead to severe irritation of the skin and, critically, the eyes. If accidental contact occurs, neutralizing the burn effectively requires consuming fat-containing dairy products like milk or yogurt, as water is ineffective against the oil-soluble capsaicin.
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