The world of the hottest chili peppers is fascinating and full of extraordinary varieties, capable of unleashing extreme levels of heat . From chili peppers grown for culinary use to those used in competitions and endurance challenges, the search for the hottest is always ongoing.
In this ranking, we will explore the 10 hottest chili peppers in the world according to the Scoville scale , the measurement system that determines the amount of capsaicin present in each variety.
1. Carolina Reaper - 2,200,000 SHU
The Carolina Reaper is officially the hottest chili pepper in the world, with an average value of 2,200,000 Scoville units (SHU). Native to South Carolina , it has a sweet and fruity flavor, but an intensity that can last for minutes. It is often used to make extreme hot sauces.
2. Trinidad Moruga Scorpion - 2,000,000 SHU
The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion , native to Trinidad and Tobago , is known for its devastating heat that gradually intensifies. It reaches peaks of 2 million SHU and is considered one of the deadliest chili peppers to consume.
3. 7 Pot Douglah - 1,853,936 SHU
This rare variety, also known as Chocolate 7 Pot , is one of the hottest brown peppers. Its name comes from the belief that one pepper is enough to flavor seven pots of stew.
4. Pepper X - Over 3,000,000 SHU (pending confirmation)
Pepper X is an experimental strain developed by the same breeder as Carolina Reaper. It is said to exceed 3,000,000 SHU , but is still in the official testing phase for Guinness World Records.
5. Naga Viper - 1,382,118 SHU
Bred in the UK, the Naga Viper is a hybrid of three different super-hot varieties. Although it is no longer the hottest chilli pepper in the world, it is still extremely potent.
6. Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) - 1,041,427 SHU
The Ghost Pepper , or Bhut Jolokia , has legendary fame and was the first chili pepper to surpass the one million Scoville unit mark. It is still used today to make pepper sauces and sprays.
7. 7 Pot Barrackpore - 1,000,000 SHU
Originally from Trinidad, 7 Pot Barrackpore is among the spiciest variants of the 7 Pot family. Its flavour is intense and the spiciness develops progressively.
8. Infinity Chili - 1,176,182 SHU
In 2011, Infinity Chili was briefly recognized as the world's hottest chili, before being surpassed by other varieties. Its spiciness develops quickly and persists for a long time.
9. Calabrese Chili Pepper - 50,000-100,000 SHU
The Calabrese Peperoncino is not among the hottest in absolute terms, but it is one of the most appreciated varieties for its balance between intensity and flavor. With a spiciness level between 50,000 and 100,000 SHU, it is perfect for flavoring traditional Italian dishes.
Want to know how to use it best? Try our fresh chili pepper or chili pepper in oil to add a touch of spiciness to your dishes.
10. Fatalii - 125,000-325,000 SHU
Fatalii is a chilli pepper native to Africa with a citrus flavour and an intensity that explodes almost immediately. Perfect for those who like spicy with an exotic touch.
Scoville scale trivia
The Scoville scale is the method used to measure the spiciness of chili peppers. The higher the number of SHU, the higher the concentration of capsaicin. Want to know why chili peppers are so beneficial to your health? Read our article on the benefits of hot chili peppers .
How to choose the right chili pepper?
If you love spicy food but want to find the right variety for your tastes, learn the differences between fresh, dried, and powdered chili peppers and which one is best for your cooking.
Conclusions
The world of the hottest chili peppers is constantly evolving, with new varieties that challenge the limits of spiciness. If you want to savor the intensity of chili pepper in its most authentic form, try our chili pepper in oil or fresh chili pepper and bring the true flavor of Calabrian tradition to the table.
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