Carolina Reaper:
- Scoville Heat Units (SHU): The Carolina Reaper holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s hottest chili pepper, with an average Scoville Heat Unit rating of over 1.6 million SHU, though individual peppers have been recorded at over 2.2 million SHU.
- Origin: The Carolina Reaper was created by Ed Currie of the PuckerButt Pepper Company in South Carolina, USA. It is a crossbreed between a Pakistani Naga pepper and a Red Habanero.
- Appearance: Carolina Reapers are typically small to medium-sized peppers with a wrinkled, bumpy texture. They often have a vibrant red color, though some can be orange or even chocolate brown.
- Flavor: The flavor of the Carolina Reaper is not just about extreme heat. It has a fruity and slightly sweet undertone, which is often overshadowed by the intense spiciness.
- Culinary Use: Due to its extraordinary heat, the Carolina Reaper is used sparingly in cooking. It can be added to salsas, hot sauces, and even in minute quantities to extremely spicy dishes. It’s also used to create ultra-hot chili extract products.
- Caution: Handling Carolina Reapers requires extreme care, including the use of gloves and avoiding contact with eyes or sensitive skin. Ingesting them directly in large quantities can cause intense discomfort and health risks, including digestive upset and possible allergic reactions.
The Carolina Reaper is not just a chili pepper; it’s a legend in the world of extreme spiciness, and it’s not for the inexperienced or faint of heart when it comes to handling or consuming it.