What is the strength of the Carolina Reaper on the Scoville scale?

The Carolina Reaper reaches an average of 1.6 million Scoville units , with peaks that can exceed 2.2 million . It is officially one of the hottest peppers in the world.

Who created the Carolina Reaper?

The Carolina Reaper was developed by Ed Currie , an American grower specializing in extreme peppers, by crossing a Red Habanero with a Naga Viper.

Can you safely eat a Carolina Reaper?

The Carolina Reaper is extremely powerful. It is recommended to consume it in very small quantities and take precautions (wear gloves when handling, avoid contact with eyes). Sensitive individuals should avoid it.

Where can I buy Carolina Reaper?

On sauce-piquante.fr we offer Carolina Reaper in various forms, including powder, whole dried, and even in sauce. The Hellicious Carolina Reaper puree is made with 60% Carolina Reaper peppers and will give you an excellent taste of its flavors and potency.

What is the difference between Carolina Reaper and Habanero pepper?

The Carolina Reaper is much hotter than the Habanero. While a classic Habanero ranges around 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville units , the Reaper explodes well above one million.

Can you grow Carolina Reaper in France?

Yes, the Carolina Reaper grows in France. Our market gardeners located in central Alsace produce several tons of it each year. However, it requires excellent germination conditions (high temperature) and needs a good late season to achieve optimal maturity.

Carolina Reaper: The World's Hottest Pepper – Everything You Need to Know

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The Carolina Reaper is a pepper that holds the title of the world's hottest pepper. With a heat that exceeds 2 million Scoville units (SHU), it is a real challenge for thrill-seekers. Originally from the United States, this pepper was created to offer intense heat while preserving a unique fruity flavor. If you're curious to know the history, culinary use, and effects of the Carolina Reaper, you're in the right place.

Characteristics of the Carolina Reaper Pepper

Scientific name: Capsicum chinense
Origin: United States (South Carolina)
Creator: Ed Currie, owner of Pepper X Company
Scoville Unit: 1.4 to 2.2 million SHU
Appearance: Small red or orange pepper, with a slightly curved shape and a small "tail" at the end.
Flavor: Very powerful, it is characterized by notes of blood orange and citrus. Followed by extraordinary power.
Type: Super hot pepper, mainly used to produce hot sauces and for pepper-eating competitions.

History of the Carolina Reaper

The Carolina Reaper was created by Ed Currie in 2013 by crossing a Habanero pepper with a La Soufrière pepper, originally from the United Kingdom. The goal was to create a pepper with an extreme level of heat while maintaining a pleasant flavor. After years of work and rigorous selection, the Carolina Reaper was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2013 as the world's hottest pepper.

The Heat of the Carolina Reaper

The heat of the Carolina Reaper can vary, but it often reaches over 2 million Scoville units. To give you an idea of its strength:

An average jalapeño is around 5,000 SHU.
A Carolina Reaper ranges between 1.4 and 2.2 million SHU. This means the Carolina Reaper is about 400 times stronger than a jalapeño!

Why is the Carolina Reaper so hot?

The heat of the Carolina Reaper is due to a molecule called capsaicin, which causes an intense burning sensation when the pepper is consumed. Capsaicin activates pain receptors in the mouth, creating a sensation of extreme heat. The concentration of capsaicin in the Carolina Reaper is among the highest of all cultivated peppers.

Our Carolina Reaper products.

The hellicious carolina reaper puree: an extreme sauce with 60% fresh carolina reaper pepper.
Carolina reaper powder.
The whole dried carolina reaper.

How to Use Carolina Reaper Pepper in Cooking?

The Carolina Reaper can be used in cooking to bring extreme heat to sauces, marinades, and spicy dishes. However, it is important to handle it with care to avoid burns on the skin or in the eyes.

Some usage ideas:

Hot sauces: The Carolina Reaper is a key ingredient in many hot sauces for thrill-seekers. It can be used fresh but also dehydrated. Simply rehydrate it in a little hot water.
Salsas and marinades: It can be added to salsas for an intense fruity taste and devastating heat. Be careful to add only a pinch. 1 gram of carolina reaper pepper is already devastating in a homemade preparation.
Spicy dishes: Used in small quantities in dishes like chili, curry, or spicy soups for a kick of heat.
Competitions and challenges: Carolina Reaper peppers are often used in pepper-eating challenges, such as hot sauce contests.

Precautions to Take When Using the Carolina Reaper

Due to the extreme heat of the Carolina Reaper, it is essential to take certain precautions when handling it:

Wear gloves: Always wear gloves when cutting or touching Carolina Reaper peppers to avoid burning your hands. If you come into contact with the pepper, wash your hands immediately.
Don't touch your eyes: If you accidentally touch your eyes after handling the Carolina Reaper, rinse them thoroughly with cold water.
Start with small amounts: If you're not used to hot peppers, start with a very small amount of Carolina Reaper, even a small pinch in a sauce or dish.
Consume in moderation: The Carolina Reaper is not for everyone. It can cause stomach upset or unpleasant reactions in some people. Be careful when incorporating it into your meals.

Health Benefits of the Carolina Reaper

Although the extreme heat of the Carolina Reaper can be difficult for some to bear, this pepper has health benefits thanks to its high capsaicin content:

Boosts metabolism: Capsaicin is known to boost metabolism and help burn fat.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve certain pains, particularly muscle and joint pain.
Improved blood circulation: Consuming pepper can improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Pain relief: Used in the form of creams or ointments, the Carolina Reaper pepper can help relieve muscle or joint pain.

The Carolina Reaper is a pepper not to be taken lightly, thanks to its extreme heat and unique flavor. Although reserved for thrill-seekers, it can be an excellent addition to your hot sauces and spicy dishes. If you like pushing your taste limits, the Carolina Reaper is a must-have. However, it is important to use it with caution and follow the necessary precautions to avoid any irritation or injury.

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