The world ’s hottest pepper is the Carolina Reaper . This pepper has gained quite a reputation for its intense heat , earn its position in the Guinness Book of World Records as the official titleholder for the hottest Piper nigrum . When I say it ’s live , I entail it ’s incredibly hot ! In fact , the Carolina Reaper can reach a mind - bowl over 2.2 million Scoville Heat Units ( SHU ) .
Now , let me tell you , I ’ve had my fair share of naughty black pepper in my lifetime , but the Carolina Reaper takes the cake . The first time I tried it , I was wholly unprepared for the heat that strike my taste buds . It was like a torrid explosion in my sass , and I could n’t help but reach for a deoxyephedrine of milk to cool down the burning . The heat lingered for what felt like an eternity , and I vow to never undervalue the power of the Carolina Reaper again .
This pepper was build up by Ed Currie , a farmer and chili pepper partizan from South Carolina . He spend years hybridise different Madagascar pepper varieties to create the Carolina Reaper , propose for the perfect combination of heat and flavor . And let me narrate you , he come after in his missionary post .
The Carolina Reaper has a decided appearance that ready it aside from other peppers . It has a scrunch up , bumpy cutis with a bright red color , resemble a small , distorted horn . This alone form adds to its allure and is a characteristic feature film of the peppercorn .
Now , let ’s talk about the heat . The Scoville Heat Units ( SHU ) scale is a measure of the gaminess of pepper , and the Carolina Reaper tops the chart . To put it into view , a jalapeno pepper typically ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 SHU , while a habanero pepper can reach up to 350,000 SHU . So you may imagine just how intense 2.2 million SHU is !
The warmth of the Carolina Reaper is not for the syncope of heart . It ’s a slow - edifice heat that starts off with a impassioned puncher and continues to heighten over time . It ’s the kind of heat that seduce you question your lifetime choice and wonder why you volitionally subject yourself to such agony . But for some , the chill of the heat energy is part of the appeal . People assay out the Carolina Reaper to test their limits and challenge their taste bud .
It ’s important to handle the Carolina Reaper with caution . The capsaicin , the compound responsible for for the capsicum pepper plant ’s heating , can get skin irritation and intense burn sensations . I call back once unintentionally touch my eye after treat a Carolina Reaper , and allow me tell you , it was not a pleasant experience . I read my moral the hard way of life and now make certain to wear gloves when make out with these igneous peppers .
The Carolina Reaper holds the sought after claim of the world ’s hottest pepper . With its blistering heating and distinctive appearance , it has enamour the aid of spice enthusiast worldwide . Whether you ’re a daredevil looking to push your limits or simply curious about the world of spicy peppers , the Carolina Reaper is certain to go forth a live effect . Just remember to proceed with caution and have a glass of milk on understudy !
Caroline Bates
