The Germans won’t touch them. They see the Jalapeno and they get that deer in the headlights look. Heads start shaking “no no no” and they back away as if I was offering Stuffed Rodent Skulls.

Ok, I’ve been known to have some spicey foods around during the BBQs. Chili, of course. And maybe some salsa dips. But even after explaining that it tastes just like a “normal” (bell) pepper with a tiny kick, they still refuse.

I’ve found that German sometimes won’t even eat the bland, unassuming food that I’ve brought to various gathering because it’s just a little bit different from what they’re used to, and Germans definitely don’t like different. Do you know the phrase “Was der Bauer nicht kennt, frisst er nicht?” Sometimes, but only sometimes, after a few pokes and sniffs a brave soul or two would actually try something I’d made, proclaiming it to be “Lecker!” and I’d end up having to print out 65 recipes to hand around at the next library meeting or whatever. The fun never stops.