Ed Currie's
Interesting facts
Known for its extreme heat and distinctive flavour, the Carolina Reaper was developed by Ed Currie, a chilli pepper grower from South Carolina, United States. The pepper is a crossbreed between a Pakistani Naga and a Red Habanero pepper. It was first introduced to the public in 2013. Creating the Carolina Reaper was not an easy process. It took several years of selective crossbreeding and cultivation to develop a pepper with the desired combination of heat and flavour. This dedication and effort demonstrate the passion behind the creation of this extraordinary chilli.
Although the "Pepper X" (2.69 million - 3.18 million SHU) by Ed Curry, is now officially ranked nr. 1 as the hottest chilli pepper in the world (October 2023), the Carolina Reaper held this prestigious title for a staggering 10 years. It measures an average of 1.5 million to 2.2 million SHU on the Scoville scale, which is a measurement of chili pepper heat. To put it into perspective, it is approximately 200 times hotter than a jalapeño pepper. Despite its intense heat, the Carolina Reaper offers a complex flavour profile. It has fruity and slightly sweet undertones that are often accompanied by a smoky or earthy taste. The flavour experience can vary, with some individuals describing it as a mix of sweet and floral notes.
The Carolina Reaper, as a representative of superhot chilli peppers, has become somewhat of a cultural icon. It has garnered attention and a dedicated following among chilli enthusiasts, spice lovers, and daredevils who enjoy pushing their limits. Its popularity and unique attributes have made it an intriguing part of culinary exploration and hot sauce culture.
The scientific name of the Carolina Reaper is Capsicum chinense, which belongs to the Solanaceae family. This family includes other hot pepper varieties like habanero, ghost pepper, and Scotch bonnet.
Carolina Reaper peppers are mainly used in cooking to add a powerful heat and spice to various dishes. They are popularly used in hot sauces, salsas, marinades, and spicy recipes. The heat of the Carolina Reaper remains relatively stable even when cooked or processed. This means that the intense spiciness of the pepper is not diminished significantly when it's used in cooking or incorporated into sauces and other products. It's important to note that due to their extreme heat, they should be used with caution, and it's advisable to start with small amounts until you become accustomed to the level of spiciness.
World's hottest chillies
(2023)
1) Pepper X
Official - GWR (October, 2023)
2.69 million - 3.18 million SHU
Ed Curry
2) Louisiana Creeper
Unofficial (September, 2023)
1.9 million - 2.6 million SHU
Troy Primo
3) Dragon's Breath
Unofficial (May, 2017)
1.60 million - 2.48 million SHU
Neal Price & Mike Smith