For the ultimate heat-seekers, here is a guide to the 20 most spiciest chili peppers found in the world. These peppers, ranked by their Scoville Heat Units (SHU), bring intense heat and unique flavors to dishes around the globe. Whether you’re a chili aficionado or a daring food explorer, these peppers will challenge your taste buds and enhance your culinary experiences.
1. Carolina Reaper
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,641,183 – 2,200,000
Origin: USA
The Carolina Reaper holds the Guinness World Record for the hottest chili pepper. Developed by Ed Currie of the PuckerButt Pepper Company, this pepper is known for its sweet, fruity flavor followed by an intense, fiery heat that can leave even the bravest chili enthusiasts reaching for milk.
2. Trinidad Moruga Scorpion
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,200,000 – 2,009,231
Origin: Trinidad and Tobago
Named after the region of Moruga in Trinidad, this pepper was once the hottest in the world. It starts with a slow build-up of heat that intensifies, delivering a powerful punch that can catch even experienced chili heads by surprise.
3. 7 Pot Douglah
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 923,889 – 1,853,936
Origin: Trinidad and Tobago
Also known as Chocolate 7 Pot, the 7 Pot Douglah is famed for its dark brown color and extraordinary heat. It’s said that one pod can spice up seven pots of stew, hence the name “7 Pot.”
4. 7 Pot Primo
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,473,480
Origin: USA
Developed by horticulturist Troy Primeaux, the 7 Pot Primo is recognizable by its long tail. This pepper has a potent heat that rivals the Carolina Reaper, with fruity undertones that add complexity to its fiery profile.
5. Komodo Dragon
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,400,000
Origin: United Kingdom
Bred by the UK’s largest producer of chili peppers, Salvatore Genovese, the Komodo Dragon chili pepper delivers a slow-building heat that culminates in a fiery explosion. Its fruity flavor makes it a popular choice for hot sauces and culinary experiments.
6. Naga Viper
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 900,000 – 1,382,118
Origin: United Kingdom
The Naga Viper, a hybrid of the Bhut Jolokia, Naga Morich, and Trinidad Scorpion, was briefly the world’s hottest chili pepper in 2011. It combines the best traits of its parents, offering a complex heat profile with fruity undertones.
7. Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 855,000 – 1,041,427
Origin: India
The Ghost Pepper, or Bhut Jolokia, was the first pepper to break the 1 million SHU mark. This pepper, originating from Assam, India, is infamous for its intense heat and smoky, earthy flavor that lingers for a prolonged period.
8. 7 Pot Barrackpore
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,000,000 – 1,300,000
Origin: Trinidad and Tobago
Another member of the 7 Pot family, the 7 Pot Barrackpore, is known for its fiery heat. Like its siblings, it’s named for its ability to spice up seven pots of stew, and it’s commonly used in hot sauces and spicy dishes.
9. 7 Pot Brown (Chocolate)
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 800,000 – 1,200,000
Origin: Trinidad and Tobago
The 7 Pot Brown, also known as Chocolate 7 Pot, is distinguished by its rich, brown color. It packs a potent heat, making it a favorite among chili enthusiasts who appreciate both its spiciness and unique hue.
10. Red Savina Habanero
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 350,000 – 577,000
Origin: USA
Once the hottest chili pepper in the world, the Red Savina Habanero is known for its bright red color, fruity flavor, and significant heat. It was dethroned by the Bhut Jolokia but remains a popular choice for adding a fiery kick to dishes.
11. 7 Pot Brain Strain
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,000,000 – 1,350,000
Origin: Trinidad and Tobago
The 7 Pot Brain Strain gets its name from its unique, wrinkled appearance that resembles a brain. This pepper is another heavy hitter from the 7 Pot family, delivering intense heat with a slightly fruity flavor.
12. Infinity Chili
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,067,286
Origin: United Kingdom
The Infinity Chili briefly held the title of the world’s hottest chili pepper in 2011. It’s known for its intense heat that seems to last forever, hence the name “Infinity.” This pepper is a favorite for making super-hot sauces.
13. Dorset Naga
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,000,000 – 1,598,227
Origin: United Kingdom
Originating from the Naga Morich, the Dorset Naga is cultivated in the United Kingdom. It has a fruity flavor that masks its searing heat, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy intense but flavorful chilies.
14. Trinidad 7 Pot
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,000,000 – 1,200,000
Origin: Trinidad and Tobago
The Trinidad 7 Pot is named for its ability to spice up seven pots of stew. It’s a staple in Trinidadian cuisine and is revered for its extreme heat and slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
15. Scotch Bonnet
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 100,000 – 350,000
Origin: Caribbean
The Scotch Bonnet is popular in Caribbean cuisine, known for its fruity, tropical flavor and significant heat. It’s a key ingredient in jerk chicken and other island dishes, balancing spiciness with a hint of sweetness.
16. Fatalii
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 125,000 – 325,000
Origin: Central African Republic
The Fatalii chili pepper originates from Central Africa. It’s known for its citrusy flavor and immediate, intense heat that doesn’t linger as long as some other super-hot peppers, making it a unique addition to hot sauces and salsas.
17. Habanero
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 100,000 – 350,000
Origin: Mexico
The Habanero is one of the most well-known hot peppers in the world. Originating from the Yucatán Peninsula, it has a fruity, floral flavor and a heat that can be overwhelming but adds a distinct kick to dishes.
18. Datil Pepper
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 100,000 – 300,000
Origin: USA
The Datil pepper is grown in St. Augustine, Florida. It’s known for its sweet, tangy flavor and significant heat. The Datil is a key ingredient in local hot sauces and marinades, contributing to the region’s unique culinary profile.
19. Tiger Paw NR
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 265,000 – 328,000
Origin: USA
The Tiger Paw NR is a variant of the Habanero pepper, bred for its nematode resistance. It boasts a high heat level and is commonly used in making hot sauces and spicy dishes, especially in agricultural regions where nematodes are a concern.
20. Aji Charapita
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 30,000 – 50,000
Origin: Peru
The Aji Charapita is a small, round chili pepper native to the Peruvian Amazon. Despite its modest heat level compared to the others on this list, it’s highly valued for its unique, fruity flavor and is often used in Peruvian cuisine.
Tips for Handling and Cooking with Spicy Chili Peppers
- Wear Gloves: Always wear gloves when handling these peppers to avoid skin irritation.
- Use Sparingly: Start with small amounts to gauge the heat level and adjust accordingly.
- Milk Products: Have dairy products like milk or yogurt on hand to counteract the heat if needed.
- Proper Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation in your kitchen to avoid irritation from the fumes.
- Wash Hands Thoroughly: After handling, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid accidentally touching sensitive areas like your eyes.
Conclusion
From the blistering heat of the Carolina Reaper to the complex flavors of the Aji Charapita, these chili peppers represent the pinnacle of spicy flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chili head or a curious foodie looking to explore the limits of your heat tolerance, these peppers offer a thrilling culinary adventure. Always remember to handle them with care and respect their potent heat. Enjoy experimenting with these fiery peppers and adding a spicy kick to your favorite dishes!
Happy chiling!!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
