The Core of the Sun enhancing her knowledge of chili peppers by extending an invitation to his farm. There, she sampled and grew an assortment of peppers. Working with chili peppers allowed Sinisalo to understand factors such as the Scoville rating which is determined by capsaicinoids. The Scoville scale measures the spiciness (heat) of the pepper. One can explore the Scoville ratings, health benefits, and growing techniques of peppers on Kilpinen's website In the Core of the Sun's Afterword, Sinisalo describes the Transcendental Capsaicinophilic Society as “ a real, though somewhat tongue-in-cheek, group that can be found on the Internet.” A quick Google search reveals
Scoville Park white settler in the area that became Oak Park, acquired 173 acres of land from the federal government in 1833, including the area that is now Scoville Park. A plaque marking the spot of his second home is located in Scoville Park's southwest corner, near the library, although recent research indicates the house may have been farther west, just south and east of the present-day intersection of Harlem Avenue and Lake Street. In 1855, James Scoville bought the land that would become the park from Kettlestrings. He built his estate, including a large white mansion, at the site of what