If you love cooking or really spicy food, you’ve likely heard about the spiciest pepper in the world. That intense burning feeling, the fiery flavor, and the joy of handling the heat – it’s a sensation that chili fans can’t resist. In TE MEND article, we’re going to explore the world of peppers, find out why they’re so spicy, and reveal the pepper that’s currently the hottest. Get ready for a spicy adventure!
What Makes a Pepper Hot?
Before we unveil the hottest pepper in the world, let’s take a moment to understand what makes peppers hot. The secret ingredient here is capsaicin, a naturally occurring chemical compound found in pepper plants. Capsaicin binds to receptors in our mouth and on our tongue, sending signals to our brain that interpret this binding as heat. The Scoville Scale, named after its creator Wilbur Scoville, is the standard measurement for the spiciness or heat of peppers. It’s crucial to grasp this concept to appreciate the significance of the world’s hottest pepper.
The Scoville Scale: A Spicy Spectrum
The Scoville Scale is like a ruler for how spicy peppers are. It gives each pepper a number to show how much spicy stuff (called capsaicin) it has. The bigger the number, the spicier the pepper. For example, a bell pepper has a low score of zero on the scale because it’s not spicy at all. But a jalapeño pepper has a score that can be between 2,500 and 8,000, so it’s spicier than a bell pepper, but not super hot.
Hottest Pepper in the World
Pepper X (2,693,000 SHU):
Carolina Reaper, once considered the world’s spiciest pepper, has lost its crown to Pepper X, a creation of Ed Currie, the South Carolina hot pepper grower. Pepper X has set a new Guinness World Record for its fiery heat, leaving the Carolina Reaper in the dust. While Carolina Reapers average 2.20 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), Pepper X boasts an astonishing 2.69 million SHU. To put this in perspective, a jalapeño scores a mere 3,000 to 8,000 SHU on the Scoville scale, and even the hotter habanero peppers typically reach around 100,000 SHU.
Ed Currie, who also developed the Carolina Reaper, nurtured Pepper X on his farm for over a decade. He achieved this by cross-breeding the pepper with some of his spiciest varieties, enhancing its capsaicin content. The SHU scale, which measures the heat of chili peppers, was developed by Wilbur Scoville, an American chemist, in 1912.
Pepper X’s incredible heat was confirmed by tests conducted at Winthrop University in South Carolina. This new record-breaking pepper is officially the world’s hottest, as declared by Guinness World Records. Ed Currie introduced Pepper X to the world on an episode of the popular YouTube series “Hot Ones.” It’s important to note that the Carolina Reaper was previously regarded as incredibly hot, and the Puckerbutt Pepper Company, which Currie founded, describes it as painfully hot.
With Pepper X surpassing the Carolina Reaper by 1 million Scoville units, it’s evident that this pepper is not for the faint of heart. Ed Currie, with his Puckerbutt Pepper Company, has solidified his reputation as a spice pioneer by creating two of the hottest peppers in the world. Pepper X now stands as the reigning champion, boasting an average of 2,693,000 SHU.
Carolina Reaper (2,200,000 SHU):
The Carolina Reaper, a creation of grower Ed Currie in South Carolina, is undoubtedly the king of the pepper kingdom. Boasting a record-breaking 2,200,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), it is the hottest pepper on the planet. The Reaper’s appearance is distinctive, with its rough, bumpy skin and vibrant red color. But it’s the flavor that makes it intriguing – it starts sweet and fruity, reminiscent of the traditional red habanero, but then delivers a searing, intense burn that lingers on the palate. This fiery sensation has earned the Carolina Reaper a place in numerous spicy food challenges and a reputation as the ultimate fiery culinary ingredient. From salsas to hot sauces, it’s a top choice for those who crave extreme heat and a bold chili flavor.
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion (2,009,231 SHU):
Hailing from the island of Trinidad, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion was once the uncontested champion in the world of hot peppers. With a scorching heat level of 2,009,231 SHU, it held the title of the world’s hottest pepper for a time. These small, red, and gnarled fruits might appear innocent, but their unrelenting heat is anything but. The Moruga Scorpion boasts a flavor profile that’s slightly sweet and fruity, which can be misleading before the overwhelming heat kicks in. It’s a favorite among chili enthusiasts and hot sauce aficionados, as it has the ability to transform ordinary dishes into fiery masterpieces. Its popularity is well-deserved, given its capacity to deliver a potent and unforgettable heat experience.
7 Pot Douglah (1,853,936 SHU):
The 7 Pot Douglah, also known as the Chocolate 7 Pot, is a chili pepper variety that hails from the Caribbean island of Trinidad. It has earned a reputation for its fierce heat, which averages around 1,853,936 SHU. The name “7 Pot” is derived from the claim that just one pepper is sufficient to season seven pots of stew. This pepper has a distinctive dark chocolate-brown color, setting it apart from other super-hot peppers. While it carries a reputation for its intense spiciness, it is surprisingly sweet and fruity in flavor, almost reminiscent of raisins. This flavor profile makes it a unique and sought-after chili in the world of hot sauces and spicy culinary creations. The 7 Pot Douglah is a must-try for those seeking both a fiery kick and a delightful taste adventure.
7 Pot Primo (1,469,000 SHU):
The 7 Pot Primo, created by chili enthusiast Troy Primeaux, is a remarkable super-hot chili pepper with a heat level averaging around 1,469,000 SHU. This pepper stands out for its distinctive bumpy texture and its reputation for delivering an intense burn. The name “7 Pot” originates from the notion that a single pepper is potent enough to spice up seven pots of stew. What sets the 7 Pot Primo apart is its flavor, characterized by a blend of fruitiness and slight sweetness, providing a unique balance that complements its intense heat. As a result, it has become a popular choice for those who want to elevate the spiciness of their dishes while also adding a delightful twist of flavor. Whether used in hot sauces, salsas, or culinary experiments, the 7 Pot Primo adds a powerful punch of heat with a tantalizing taste.
Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” (1,463,700 SHU):
The Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” is a formidable chili pepper that has had its moment in the spotlight as one of the world’s hottest. Named after Butch Taylor, the individual credited with its discovery, this pepper hails from Trinidad. It boasts an astonishing average heat level of 1,463,700 SHU, and it is known for its immediate, searing heat that leaves an enduring impression. Despite its scorching nature, the “Butch T” scorpion pepper starts with a somewhat deceptive fruity and slightly sweet flavor. This unique combination of flavors before the heat onslaught adds an intriguing dimension to culinary creations. It is a favorite among spice enthusiasts, sought-after for its ability to turn any dish or hot sauce into a memorable fiery experience. Whether you are participating in chili pepper challenges or simply looking to spice up your favorite meal, the Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” delivers both heat and flavor in abundance.
Naga Viper (1,349,000 SHU):
The Naga Viper is a super hot chili pepper that’s gotten a lot of attention because it’s really, really spicy, around 1,349,000 SHU. What’s special about it is that it comes from mixing three other super hot peppers: the Naga Morich, the Bhut Jolokia, and the Trinidad Scorpion. This mix makes it extra spicy and gives it a strong flavor. People who love super spicy food like the Naga Viper. When you eat it, you’ll taste a mix of fruity and earthy flavors, and then, bam! It hits you with intense spiciness. Whether you’re using it in spicy dishes or trying to make your own hot sauces, the Naga Viper is a great choice if you want extreme spiciness and a chili flavor you won’t forget.
Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) (1,041,427 SHU):
The Ghost Pepper, scientifically known as Bhut Jolokia, has its origins in India and held the title of the world’s hottest pepper before being surpassed by even spicier varieties. This pepper is recognized by its unique smoky flavor and bright red color. It is notably spicy, with an average Scoville rating of 1,041,427 SHU. The Ghost Pepper’s heat, while potent, has a gradual build-up, allowing for the flavors of dishes to shine before the fiery kick takes over. It is a cherished ingredient in Indian cuisine, contributing both flavor and spiciness to curries, pickles, and chutneys. The Ghost Pepper’s versatility extends to international cuisine, where it adds depth and heat to salsas, hot sauces, and various culinary creations.
7 Pot Barrackpore (~1,000,000 SHU):
The 7 Pot Barrackpore is a super spicy chili pepper that originally comes from Trinidad in the Barrackpore region. It’s one of the tough members of the “7 Pot” pepper family, known for their fiery spiciness. You can recognize the 7 Pot Barrackpore by its wrinkly skin and its bright red or orange color when it’s ripe.When you taste it, it has a fruity and sweet flavor, but it’s also really, really spicy like other super hot peppers. People in Trinidad like to use it in their cooking to make their food really spicy and to create hot sauces. Whether you love super spicy peppers or you’re just starting to try them out, the 7 Pot Barrackpore will definitely add some exciting heat and flavor to your food.
7 Pot Red (Giant) (~1,000,000 SHU):
The 7 Pot Red, sometimes referred to as the Giant 7 Pot, is another extraordinary super-hot pepper variety originating from Trinidad. With a Scoville heat rating of around 1,000,000 SHU, it is no stranger to extreme spiciness. The pepper’s appearance features the distinctive crinkled skin, and it typically turns a vibrant red color when fully ripe. What sets the 7 Pot Red apart is its flavor, which combines a fruity and slightly sweet taste with the intense spiciness that characterizes the “7 Pot” pepper family. Whether incorporated into spicy stews, hot sauces, or salsas, the 7 Pot Red serves as an excellent choice for those looking to elevate the heat of their culinary creations while experiencing a delightful interplay of flavors.
Red Savina Habanero (500,000 SHU):
The Red Savina Habanero is a special kind of pepper that used to be the hottest in the world. It’s famous for its bright red color. It’s hot, but not as crazy hot as some other peppers we’ve talked about. On the spicy scale, it’s around 500,000 SHU, which is still pretty spicy. You can tell this pepper by its shiny and wrinkled skin. When you taste it, it has a bit of a tangy and fruity flavor. The cool thing about this pepper is that it’s not just about the heat; it also tastes really good. That’s why lots of people like using it in their cooking, like in dishes, salsas, and hot sauces, especially in Mexican and Caribbean foods. It adds both a kick of spiciness and a yummy flavor to your food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pepper is hotter than the Carolina Reaper?
Pepper X, grown by Ed Currie, surpasses the Carolina Reaper in spiciness. With an average rating of 2.69 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), it claims the title of the world’s hottest pepper, as confirmed by Guinness World Records, making it even hotter than the once-revered Carolina Reaper, which averages 2.20 million SHU.
Where is the hottest pepper on earth?
The hottest pepper on Earth is Pepper X, and it is grown by Ed Currie. Pepper X is renowned for its extreme spiciness, boasting an average Scoville rating of 2.69 million SHU, and it hails from South Carolina, USA.
What is the 2nd hottest pepper in the world?
The Carolina Reaper is the second spiciest pepper globally, packing a punch with an average of 2.20 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). It’s a top choice for people who love spicy food, delivering a fiery kick that keeps them craving more.
What is the spiciest thing in the world 2023?
The spiciest thing in the world was the Pepper X, grown by Ed Currie, with an average Scoville rating of 2.69 million SHU.
Can pepper x kill you?
No, Pepper X itself is not deadly. While it is one of the hottest peppers in the world and can cause extreme discomfort and pain if consumed in excessive amounts, it won’t kill you. The extreme spiciness may lead to digestive discomfort, burning sensations, and even temporary discomfort, but it’s not life-threatening.
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