/en/
[row class="c-rcktcms__center"]
[col size="12"]
1. The hottest pepper: an unexpected champion
a. Discovery of Pepper X
Pepper X is a pepper developed by Ed Currie, already creator of the famous Carolina Reaper. Announced as the world's hottest pepper, it is the result of several years of hybridization aimed at obtaining a variety extremely rich in capsaicin, the molecule responsible for the burning sensation.
Pepper X is distinguished by:
- a bumpy and rough texture, typical of ultra-hot peppers,
- a color ranging from green to yellow then brown depending on maturity,
- extreme power, superior to all peppers marketed until now.
- A unique taste with a more subtle flavor than the Carolina Reaper.
It has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the hottest pepper, thus tipping the world of thrill seekers.
b. Comparison with other famous varieties
To measure Pepper X's achievement, simply compare it to the most feared peppers:
- Pepper X: exceeds 2.6 million Scoville units (SHU).
- Carolina Reaper: approximately 1.6 to 2.2 million SHU.
- Trinidad Moruga Scorpion: around 1.2 to 2 million SHU.
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia): approximately 1 million SHU.
- Red Habanero: 350,000 SHU.
Pepper X is therefore well above its competitors, representing a considerable leap in intensity.
2. Scoville scale: understanding pepper heat
a. Explanation of the Scoville scale
The Scoville scale (SHU – Scoville Heat Units) measures the heat level of peppers.
It quantifies the concentration of capsaicin, the molecule responsible for the heat sensation.
How it works:
1. Originally, a pepper extract was diluted until the burn was no longer perceived. Thus the Scoville unit decreases and the heat becomes less strong.
2. Today, more precise techniques such as liquid chromatography allow direct measurement of capsaicin.
3. The higher the SHU number, the hotter the pepper.
Some benchmarks:
0 SHU: bell pepper, no capsaicin.
2,500 to 8,000 SHU: Jalapeño.
100,000 to 350,000 SHU: Habanero.
+ 1,000,000 SHU: “super-hot” peppers.
b. Positioning of Pepper X and other peppers in the ranking
In the highly competitive universe of extreme peppers, here is a simplified ranking:
Pepper SHU approximate as potency can vary from one fruit to another
- Pepper X: 2,600,000 SHU Guinness Book World Record in 2023
- Carolina Reaper: 1,600,000 – with a score of 2,200,000 SHU previous record
- Trinidad Moruga Scorpion: 1,200,000 – 2,000,000 SHU
- Naga Jolokia: 1,000,000 SHU
- Habanero: 100,000 – 350,000 SHU
Pepper X dominates, plain and simple.
3. The heat sensation: pain or pleasure?
a. Mechanism of the burn caused by peppers
The burning sensation comes from capsaicin, which binds to TRPV1 receptors.
These receptors, normally designed to detect high temperatures, fool the brain:
- The body believes it is exposed to extreme heat,
- The reaction transforms into burning pain,
- The brain then releases endorphins and dopamine, causing a sometimes euphoric sensation.
It is this mixture of pain and pleasure that drives many enthusiasts to seek increasingly hotter peppers.
b. Testimonials on consuming hot peppers
Enthusiasts describe:
- a lightning heat rise,
- a heat that lasts several minutes,
- an intense burning sensation in the mouth, nose and sometimes face,
- profuse sweating,
- a feeling of adrenaline,
- then, for the more experienced, an addictive pleasure.
For the less accustomed, the reaction can be much more difficult: tears, hiccups, difficulty breathing, or even temporary abdominal pain.
4. Culinary use of hot peppers
a. Recipes featuring Pepper X and Carolina Reaper that you can make from your kitchen
Although very powerful, these peppers can be used in micro-quantities to flavor:
Ultra-hot sauce
- 1 tiny piece of extreme pepper
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 clove of garlic
- Vinegar + salt
Blend everything: explosive result!
Explosive Chili with Carolina Reaper
Use a knife tip of Carolina Reaper powder
Add to traditional chili con carne
The pepper brings dramatic intensity without distorting the dish.
Homemade Chili Oil
Place dried super-hot pepper in a bottle or jar of olive oil.
Let steep for 1 to 2 weeks.
Perfect for enhancing the flavors of pasta, pizza and vegetables.
b. Precautions to take when handling and consuming
Peppers like Pepper X or Carolina Reaper require great caution:
- Wear gloves to avoid skin burns.
- Avoid any contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
- Never handle then touch your face.
- Dose sparingly: a pinhead is enough.
- In case of burning: drink milk, eat yogurt, bread or cheese (not water).
- Absolutely avoid with children or sensitive individuals.
Scoville scales of the most well-known peppers:
Pepper descriptions and Scoville units
Bell Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The bell pepper is a pepper that is not hot, it comes in green, yellow and red and brown colors.
0 – 100 SHU
New Mexico Pepper on the Scoville Scale
This New Mexico pepper variety is one of the largest, however it is not very hot, ideal for stuffed peppers.
100 – 1,000 SHU
Cubanelle Pepper on the Scoville Scale
the cubanelle pepper is part of the same family as the bell pepper, it is just longer. It is mainly used in Puerto Rican cuisine, it is also grown in the Dominican Republic.
100 – 1,000 SHU
Pimento on the Scoville Scale
The pimento or cherry pepper is a very small pepper with a sweet flavor.
100 – 500 SHU
Pepperoncini Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The pepperoncini pepper is the pepper used for Greek salads. It is not very hot but very flavorful. It is also called Tuscan pepper, Italian sweet pepper, banana pepper.
100 – 500 SHU
Santa Fe Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The Santa Fe pepper is grown in the Southwestern USA, its name comes from the city of Santa Fe. It has a mild but sweet taste.
500 – 700 SHU
Poblano Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The poblano pepper is a pepper that closely resembles the bell pepper, just a little hotter.
1,000 – 1,500 SHU
Mirasol Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The mirasol pepper is one of the most difficult to recognize as it can change so much, sometimes long, sometimes wide… It is widely used in cooking for its fruity taste, it is used with chicken and pork but also in salads.
1500 – 2500 SHU
Ancho Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The ancho pepper is a dried poblano pepper. It then develops a raisin-like taste but stronger. Capsaicin is concentrated in the inner vein of the pepper.
1,000 – 2,000 SHU
Pasilla Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The pasilla pepper is a dried pepper, when fresh it is called chilaca.
1,000 – 2,000 SHU
[carrousel products="2269" title="Pasilla" subtitle="sauces with"]
Anaheim Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The anaheim pepper has many names such as California pepper or chimayo, it is native to California, ideal for stuffed peppers.
500 – 2,500 SHU
[carrousel products="1154" title="Anaheim pepper" subtitle="sauces with"]
Rocotillo Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The rocotillo pepper is a small pepper with a slightly spicy taste, it usually accompanies grilled meat.
1,500 – 2,500 SHU
Cascabel Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The cascabel pepper is a very small round pepper. Its Spanish name means little bell, because when you shake it once dried it makes noise.
1,000 – 2,500 SHU
Cherry Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The cherry pepper, it closely resembles the cascabel pepper, it looks like a cherry or cherry tomato.
1,000 – 2,500 SHU
Fresno Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The fresno pepper is part of the jalapeño pepper family, it is used for ceviche but also to make salsas.
2,500 – 10,000 SHU
[carrousel products="2803" title="Fresno Pepper" subtitle="sauces with"]
Jalapeño Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The jalapeño pepper is one of the most well-known peppers to the general public, it is widely used in Mexican cuisine, its medium heat is suitable even for non-pepper lovers, and its flavor is remarkable.
2,500 – 8,000 SHU
[carrousel products="812, 992, 12, 1349" title="Jalapeño Pepper" subtitle="sauces with"]
Guajillo Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The guajillo pepper is a small pepper widely grown near Mexico City.
2,500 – 5,000 SHU
[carrousel products="870" title="Guajillo" subtitle="sauces with"]
Chipotle Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The chipotle pepper is a dried and grilled jalapeño pepper, it becomes a little hotter, smokier, and more aromatic…
5,000 – 10,000 SHU
[carrousel products="1512, 1059, 206, 276, 986" title="Chipotle Pepper" subtitle="sauces with"]
Serrano Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The Serrano pepper is a Mexican pepper. It is hot and consumed in salsa.
10,000 – 23,000 SHU
Manzano Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The manzano pepper is native to Peru and Bolivia, it is also called rocoto pepper, it is a very hot pepper.
12,000 – 30,000 SHU
Chile de Arbol Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The chile de arbol is a very commonly used pepper, it is hot and used in all dishes.
15,000 – 30,000 SHU
Cayenne Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The cayenne pepper is one of the most well-known peppers in Europe, it is used with all types of dishes.
30,000 – 50,000 SHU
Aji Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The Aji pepper is also called Peruvian pepper, it is hot.
30,000 – 50,000 SHU
[carrousel products="1277" title="Aji Amarillo" subtitle="sauces with"]
Tabasco Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The tabasco pepper is very well known as it is the one used for the famous sauce of the same name.
30,000 – 50,000 SHU
[carrousel products="385, 25, 335, 1006" title="Tabasco" subtitle="sauces with"]
Tien Tsin Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The Tien Tsin pepper is a hot Chinese pepper used in Chinese cuisine.
50,000 – 75,000 SHU
Malagueta Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The malagueta pepper is also called piri piri pepper, it depends on the country of origin, it is found in Portugal, Mozambique and Brazil.
60,000 SHU
Thai Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The Thai pepper is an Asian pepper, widely used in Vietnam, Thailand and Laos. There are 3 different varieties.
50,000 – 100,000 SHU
Fatalii Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The fatalii pepper is a pepper grown in Central and Southern Africa, it is a very hot pepper but with a lemony taste.
125,000 – 325,000 SHU
[carrousel products="49, 53" title="Fatali" subtitle="sauces with"]
Hot Jamaican Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The Jamaican pepper is grown in Jamaica, it is used in Jerk cuisine.
100,000 – 200,000 SHU
[carrousel products="2531, 265, 485" title="Jamaican pepper" subtitle="sauces with"]
Scotch Bonnet Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The scotch bonnet pepper is a very hot pepper grown in the Caribbean. It closely resembles the habanero pepper.
100,000 – 325,000 SHU
[carrousel products="1388, 1962, 38" title="Scotch Bonnet" subtitle="sauces with"]
Habanero Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The habanero pepper is one of the most flavorful peppers, it is distinguished by its lemony taste and extreme heat.
100,000 – 350,000 SHU
[carrousel products="814, 1079, 222, 225" title="Habanero" subtitle="sauces with"]
Red Savina Pepper on the Scoville Scale
This pepper is part of the habanero pepper family, it is distinguished by extraordinary heat, it is used in some hot sauces.
350,000 – 577,000 SHU
[carrousel products="272, 654, 192" title="Red Savina" subtitle="sauces with"]
Bhut Jolokia Pepper on the Scoville Scale
The bhut jolokia pepper has other names such as naga jolokia for example, it is grown in India and was the world's hottest pepper in 2006.
855,000 – 1,041,427 SHU
[carrousel products="8, 43, 815, 46, 873, 1548, 1637" title="Jolokia" subtitle="sauces with"]
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Butch Taylor Pepper on the Scoville Scale
Native to the island of Trinidad and Tobago, the Moruga Butch T pepper is an extreme pepper. Elected in 2011 as the world's hottest pepper, it has since been dethroned by the Carolina Reaper. Its scorpion tail shape gives it its name.
1,463,700 SHU
[carrousel products="196, 663, 991, 666" title="Trinidad Scorpion" subtitle="sauces with"]
Carolina Reaper Pepper on the Scoville Scale
It is the world's hottest pepper since 2013, recognized by the Guinness Book and rated up to 2,200,000 on the Scoville scale. Want to taste carolina reaper?
2,200,000 SHU
[carrousel products="817, 1638, 2414, 2497" title="Carolina Reaper" subtitle="sauces with"]
Pepper X on the Scoville Scale
It is the world's hottest pepper since 2023, recognized by the Guinness Book and rated up to 2,693,000 on the Scoville scale.
2,693,000 SHU
[carrousel products="2804, 2807, 2796" title="Pepper X" subtitle="sauces with"]
[/col]
[/row]