Chilli peppers have been a staple in cuisines around the world for centuries, adding heat and flavour to dishes. But have you ever wondered which chilli holds the title for being the hottest in the world? Let's take a journey through the history and timeline of the world's hottest chilli.
Origins of Heat
The quest for the hottest chilli began in the early 20th century, with the discovery of the Scoville scale in 1912 by Wilbur Scoville. This scale measures the spiciness of chilli peppers and ranks them based on their capsaicin content. The higher the Scoville Heat Units (SHU), the hotter the chilli.
The Rise of the Ghost Pepper
In 2007, the Bhut Jolokia, also known as the Ghost Pepper, claimed the title of the world's hottest chilli with a record-breaking 1,041,427 SHU. This pepper hails from India and held the crown for several years, captivating spice enthusiasts around the globe.
The Reign of the Carolina Reaper
However, in 2013, the Carolina Reaper dethroned the Ghost Pepper with an astonishing 1,641,183 SHU, making it the new reigning champion of the world's hottest chilli. This hybrid pepper was created by Ed Currie of the PuckerButt Pepper Company in South Carolina and continues to hold the title to this day.
Challenges and Contenders
Since the Carolina Reaper's rise to fame, several contenders have emerged in the quest for the hottest chilli title. Peppers like the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, 7 Pot Douglah, and the Pepper X have all vied for the top spot, each boasting impressive heat levels that push the boundaries of spiciness.
Pepper X
10 years after the Carolina Reaper took the title it was finally dethroned in August 2023, by Pepper X by Ed Currie, the Carolina Reapers creator. boasting an impressive 2,693,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), it is a record that is going to be difficult (and painful) to beat.
A Timeline of the Hottest Chilli
Pre 2000 - Red Habanero - 570k SHU
2000 - Naga Jolokia - 855k SHU
2006 - Dorset Naga 900k SHU
2007 - Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper) - 1 Million SHU
2010 - Infinity Chilli - 1,067,286 SHU
2011 - Naga Viper - 1,359,000 SHU
2011 - Trinidad Scorpion "Butch T" - 1,463,700 SHU
2013 - Carolina Reaper - 1,641,183 SHU
2023 - Pepper X - 2,693,000 SHU
