| CAPSAICIN | Pungent crystalline compound in peppers such as chilli, cayenne and jalapeno that gives them their heat (9) |
| AMYGDALIN | Bitter crystalline compound in almonds and other fruit (9) |
| SWEATER | Woolly middle in peppers we ate roasted (7) |
| ANCHO | A dried poblano pepper, used in Mexican dishes such as chilli con carne, tamales and enchilada sauce (5) |
| SPICE | Food flavouring such as chilli, cinnamon or nutmeg (5) |
| LADIES | Bars give them their own nights |
| NINJA | Some pain in jalapenos that may hit unexpectedly? |
| LEMONS | Vitamin C-rich fruits used to make or flavour meringue pies, Limoncello, G&T, drizzle cakes or warm water with cayenne and honey for morning drinks (6) |
| PEPPERY | Taste of e.g. cayenne and capsicum (7) |
| ELBOWROOM | This joint has a kitchen, for example, that gives them more space and freedom |
| RISER | .... and the part that gives them height |
| ORIENT | Extremists order ideologue not to give them their bearings |
| REDHOT | Fashionable as chilli? (3-3) |
| CROQUET | Old queen carried in pepper pot maybe for game with Alice (7) |
| DOPIEST | Most simple pastry dishes covered in pepper |
| TRIPE | Ingredient in pepper pot soup |
| MRPICKLES | Tortoise that, at age 90, became the dad of hatchlings Dill, Gherkin, and Jalapeno |
| INTHEEND | 2001 song by Linkin Park that gave them their biggest US hit |
| EASEMENTS | When seamen set out they're seeking things that give them relief |
| TILDE | Diacritical mark in "pinata" and "jalapeno" |
