Top 8 Hottest Peppers in the World 2024: In the past decade, the quest to discover the world’s hottest pepper has intensified, bringing forth contenders that push the boundaries of spiciness. The pinnacle of this fiery journey stands firm with a verified Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) score exceeding two million, a stark contrast to the humble jalapeno’s 2,500 SHU rating.
The spiciness of these peppers is gauged on the Scoville scale, a metric devised in 1912 by American pharmacist Wilbur Scoville. This scale measures the concentration of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the fiery sensation in peppers. While the heat was initially assessed by brave taste testers, modern laboratories now employ high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for a more objective reading.
List of Top 8 Hottest Peppers in the World 2024
Without further ado, let’s dive into the officially verified list of the world’s hottest chili peppers:
8. Scotch Bonnet Pepper – 350,000 SHU
Our journey begins with the Scotch Bonnet chili pepper, a natural creation found in West Africa and the Caribbean. Boasting a Scoville rating of 350,000, it stands as a benchmark for spiciness. Unlike its counterparts, Scotch Bonnet grows naturally in tropical heat and is a favorite in Caribbean cuisine. Despite its heat, it remains the most manageable on this list, offering a spicy experience without overwhelming the taste buds.
7. Red Savina Pepper – 350,000-577,000 SHU
Previously holding the title of the world’s hottest chili from 1994 to 2006, the Red Savina pepper ranges from 350,000 to 577,000 SHU. While undeniably hot, it pales in comparison to later contenders. When handling this chili, caution is advised – gloves are recommended to avoid accidental contact with sensitive areas like the eyes.
6. Bhut Jolokia ‘Ghost’ Pepper – 1,001,340 SHU
The Bhut Jolokia, commonly known as the ‘Ghost’ pepper, takes the sixth spot with an impressive 1,001,340 SHU. Twice as hot as the Red Savina, this chili held the title of the world’s hottest until 2011. While not the reigning champion, its 1 million Scoville units still deliver a mighty fiery experience.
5. Infinity Chilli Pepper – 1,176,182 SHU
The year 2011 marked a significant rise in heat with the creation of the Infinity Chilli pepper in the UK, boasting an average SHU of 1,176,182. Lasting only a few days as the record-holder, this chili gained notoriety when used in a curry named ‘The Widower,’ touted as the world’s hottest. Only one brave soul succeeded in finishing the entire dish, even if he did experience hallucinations.
4. Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Pepper – 1,207,764 SHU
Originating from Trinidad and Tobago, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Pepper averages an impressive 1.2 million SHU. Known for its prolonged mouth and throat burn lasting at least eight minutes, it stands as a testament to the increasing intensity of the world’s hottest peppers.
3. Naga Viper – 1,382,118 SHU
Briefly claiming the title of the world’s hottest chili in 2011, the Naga Viper boasts an average Scoville Heat Unit rating of 1,382,118. Grown in the UK, it distinguishes itself from the Dorset Naga, offering a formidable heat experience.
2. Trinidad Scorpion Butch T Pepper – 1,463,700 SHU
Cultivated in Australia, the Trinidad Scorpion Butch T Pepper secured the Guinness World Record in March 2011, with an officially recognized average SHU rating of 1,463,700. Its intense spiciness is attributed to a unique fertilization process involving “worm juice,” containing nutrients, growth hormones, and chitin from dead insects.
1. Carolina Reaper Pepper – 1,641,183 SHU
Reigning as the undisputed champion, the Carolina Reaper takes the top spot with an average Scoville Heat Unit rating of 1,641,183. Confirmed by Guinness World Records in 2017, this chili, cultivated by Ed Currie in the USA, continues to hold the title for the world’s hottest. Its potency is such that workers wear double layers of gloves when handling, as the pepper’s oils can eat through latex.
In the pursuit of the hottest peppers, these contenders showcase the relentless drive to discover nature’s spiciest creations, offering a fiery experience for those brave enough to indulge in their intense heat.
………………..By ZNT News