The Scoville scale measures the heat or spiciness of chili peppers and other spicy foods. It is based on the amount of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat. The scale is named after Wilbur Scoville, who developed it in 1912. The higher the Scoville rating, the hotter the pepper or product.
Here is a list of the top 10 hottest peppers in the world based off The Scoville Scale. These peppers are extremely hot and should be handled with caution, especially for those not accustomed to high levels of spiciness.
Pepper X: 2,600,000 SHU
Crafted by the same creator as the Carolina Reaper. Boasting an impressive average of 2.6 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), Pepper X surpasses its predecessor’s record, standing three times hotter. Explore the intriguing journey of these peppers and their creator’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of spiciness.
Carolina Reaper: 1,641,183 SHU
The Carolina Reaper is a fiery chili pepper renowned for its intense heat and distinctive appearance. Originally cultivated in South Carolina, this hybrid pepper boasts a vibrant red hue and a wrinkled, bumpy exterior. Developed by Ed Currie, it gained recognition in 2013 as the world’s hottest pepper by the Guinness World Records. The heat of the Carolina Reaper is characterized by a pungent, fruity flavor that intensifies as you consume it. With an average rating of over 1.6 million Scoville Heat Units, this pepper delivers a scorching experience that has earned it a reputation as a formidable contender among chili enthusiasts and spice lovers alike.
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion: 1,200,000-2,009,231 SHU
The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper, hailing from the Moruga region in Trinidad and Tobago, is a potent chili variety that has made a mark in the realm of extreme heat. Recognized as one of the hottest peppers globally, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion boasts a distinctive, wrinkled appearance and a vibrant red color. Developed by local farmers, it gained widespread attention for its exceptional heat, registering over 2 million Scoville Heat Units. Beyond its intense spiciness, this pepper carries a fruity and slightly floral flavor profile, contributing to its popularity among daring culinary enthusiasts and those seeking an adventurous taste experience.
Naga Viper: 1,200,000-1,382,118 SHU
The Naga Viper pepper is a formidable chili hybrid renowned for its scorching heat and unique genetic lineage. Created by crossing three of the world’s hottest peppers— the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, the Naga Morich, and the Ghost pepper—the Naga Viper holds a reputation for extreme spiciness. With a vibrant red color and a wrinkled, elongated shape, it exhibits a visually striking appearance. While specific Scoville Heat Unit measurements can vary, the Naga Viper typically surpasses the 1 million mark, making it a serious contender in the realm of super-hot peppers. Its intense heat, coupled with a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, appeals to spice enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating culinary experience.
Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia): 1,041,427 SHU
The Ghost Pepper, also known as Bhut Jolokia, stands as one of the spiciest chili peppers globally, originating from India and parts of Southeast Asia. With its distinctive red or orange color and wrinkled surface, the Ghost Pepper is visually striking. Holding the title of the world’s hottest pepper for a period, it boasts an average Scoville Heat Unit rating exceeding 1 million, though individual peppers can surpass 1.5 million. Known for its intense, lingering heat, the Ghost Pepper delivers a fiery kick accompanied by a fruity and slightly smoky flavor profile. Widely utilized in culinary applications, its popularity has soared among those seeking to add an electrifying spice to various dishes, while caution is often advised due to its formidable heat.
7 Pot Douglah: 923,000-1,853,936 SHU
The 7 Pot Douglah pepper, also known as Chocolate 7 Pot, is a powerful chili variety celebrated for its intense heat and rich, chocolate-brown color. Originating from Trinidad and Tobago, this pepper earned its name, “7 Pot,” due to its reputation for being potent enough to spice up seven pots of stew. With Scoville Heat Unit ratings that often exceed 1 million, the 7 Pot Douglah is prized for its fiery kick. Beyond its heat, the pepper offers a distinctive earthy and smoky flavor, contributing a unique taste to dishes. The dark chocolate color of the pepper adds to its allure, making it not only a fiery choice for spice enthusiasts but also a visually appealing ingredient in various culinary creations.
Komodo Dragon Pepper: 1,400,000 SHU
The Komodo Dragon Pepper is a fiery chili variety that takes its name from the fearsome Komodo dragon, reflecting its intense heat. Developed by the UK’s chilli pepper breeder Salvatore Genovese, this pepper is known for its Scoville Heat Unit rating that can exceed 1.4 million, making it a potent choice for spice aficionados. With a vibrant red color and elongated shape, the Komodo Dragon Pepper possesses an eye-catching appearance. Beyond its searing heat, the pepper offers a fruity and slightly citrusy flavor profile, adding depth to its culinary appeal. Whether used sparingly for a spicy kick or incorporated into hot sauces, the Komodo Dragon Pepper stands out as a formidable contender in the world of intensely hot chili varieties.
Infinity Chili: 1,463,700 SHU
The Infinity Chili, once recognized as the world’s hottest chili pepper by the Guinness World Records, is an extreme heat powerhouse that originated in the United Kingdom. Developed by Nick Woods of Fire Foods, the Infinity Chili boasts an extraordinary Scoville Heat Unit rating that has surpassed 1.5 million. Its slender, elongated shape and bright red color contribute to its visually striking appearance. Known for its intense and lingering heat, the Infinity Chili carries a fruity and slightly sweet flavor profile, making it a versatile yet fiery ingredient. Although surpassed by even hotter peppers in recent years, the Infinity Chili remains a significant player in the realm of super-hot peppers, leaving a lasting impression on those daring enough to experience its formidable spiciness.
Trinidad 7 Pot Brown: 800,000-1,200,000 SHU
The Trinidad 7 Pot Brown pepper is a scorching-hot chili variety originating from Trinidad and Tobago, known for its intense heat and distinctive brown color. With Scoville Heat Unit ratings that frequently exceed 1 million, this pepper earned its “7 Pot” name due to the belief that one pod could spice up seven pots of stew. The Trinidad 7 Pot Brown is characterized by its wrinkled surface, elongated shape, and deep brown hue, which sets it apart visually. Beyond its searing heat, the pepper offers a fruity and slightly nutty flavor, adding complexity to its fiery profile. Widely appreciated by chili enthusiasts and used to bring intense heat to various dishes, the Trinidad 7 Pot Brown stands as a formidable player in the world of extremely spicy peppers.
Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T”: 800,000-1,463,700 SHU
The Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” pepper, named after its creator Butch Taylor, is a ferociously hot chili variety originating from Trinidad and Tobago. Renowned for its exceptional heat, the Butch T held the title of the world’s hottest pepper according to the Guinness World Records for a period. With Scoville Heat Unit ratings that can surpass 1.4 million, this pepper exhibits a distinctive wrinkled appearance and a vibrant red color. The Butch T pepper not only delivers intense spiciness but also carries a fruity and slightly floral flavor, contributing to its popularity among those seeking an adventurous culinary experience. Widely used in hot sauces and culinary creations, the Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” pepper remains a significant contender in the realm of super-hot chili varieties.
Pepper X pushes the 7 Pot Barrackpore pepper off the top 10 hottest peppers list.
