pungency

Rumphius identified the fruit's tough outer skin as the source of its pungency, noting how the people of Indonesia's Ambon Island had a habit of disposing of the noxious rinds on the shoreline.

But, he argues, the pungency of ammonia is actually a benefit.

Submerging sliced onion in ice water for 10 minutes can also reduce its pungency.

But, he argues, the pungency of ammonia is actually a benefit.

The books in this week’s newsletter, though, make bracing use of that famed predilection for pungency.