Top 15 Hottest Peppers in 2024

The Hottest Peppers in the World Ranked by Scoville Heat Units (SHU)

The quest for the hottest peppers in the world continues to push the boundaries of heat tolerance, with chili breeders developing new super-hot varieties that redefine the Scoville Scale. As of 2024, these peppers bring an explosive kick, making them favorites among extreme spice lovers and competitive eaters.

If you're a hot pepper enthusiast, here’s a breakdown of the top 15 hottest peppers on the Scoville Scale in 2024. From the reigning champions to legendary classics, these fiery pods will test your limits! 🌡️🔥

🌶️ 1. Pepper X – The World’s Hottest Pepper 🔥🔥🔥

🔥 Scoville Heat Units (SHU): Over 3,180,000 SHUs

Pepper X holds the official Guinness World Record as the hottest pepper on Earth, developed by Ed Currie, the creator of the Carolina Reaper. This nuclear-level pepper delivers a brutal, lingering heat that builds over time, making it a true test for extreme chili lovers. If you dare to try it, brace yourself for an unforgettable capsaicin rush! 😵‍💫🌡️

🌶️ 2. Carolina Reaper – A Fiery Legend 🔥🔥

🔥 Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,641,183 – 2,200,000 SHUs

The Carolina Reaper may have lost its crown to Pepper X, but it remains one of the most infamous peppers on the planet. With its wrinkled red skin and scorpion-like tail, this pepper is known for its sweet, fruity undertones followed by an overwhelming, fiery burn. It’s a go-to for extreme hot sauces, pepper powders, and spicy challenges! 🌡️🌶️

🌶️ 3. Komodo Dragon – UK’s Scorching Hot Pepper 🏴🔥

🔥 Scoville Heat Units (SHU): Up to 1,400,000 SHUs

Developed by UK chili grower Salvatore Genovese, the Komodo Dragon pepper delivers an initial burst of sweetness before unleashing a delayed and relentless heat. This pepper is gaining popularity among hot sauce manufacturers and daring foodies looking for a new spicy thrill! 🌋

🌶️ 4. Trinidad Moruga Scorpion – The Slow-Burn Stinger 🦂🔥

🔥 Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,200,000 – 2,000,000 SHUs

Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, this pepper doesn’t just burn—it intensifies over time, creating a prolonged and excruciating heat. The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion is a favorite among those who love a slow, sneaky burn that keeps getting hotter! 🌡️😈

🌶️ 5. 7 Pot Douglah – The Chocolate Scorcher 🍫🔥

🔥 Scoville Heat Units (SHU): Up to 1,853,936 SHUs

One of the hottest non-red peppers, the 7 Pot Douglah is famous for its deep brown color, extreme heat, and nutty, fruity taste. It’s a top choice for super-hot chili powders and sauces, adding depth and intensity to any dish! 🏆🔥

🌶️ 6. Dorset Naga – The UK’s Super-Hot Export 🇬🇧🔥

🔥 Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,500,000+ SHUs

Originally from Bangladesh, this selectively bred Naga Morich variety has an intensely fruity aroma followed by a searing, mouth-numbing heat. The Dorset Naga is a favorite among home growers and extreme chili enthusiasts. 🌡️🌶️

🌶️ 7. Naga Morich – The Bangladeshi Inferno 🔥

🔥 Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 SHUs

Closely related to the Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia), the Naga Morich is a blisteringly hot variety known for its fruity and floral undertones. A small piece of this pepper is enough to turn up the heat in any dish! 🍛🔥

🌶️ 8. 7 Pot Brain Strain – The Wrinkled Menace 🧠🔥

🔥 Scoville Heat Units (SHU): Up to 1,400,000 SHUs

Named for its brain-like texture, the 7 Pot Brain Strain is an insanely hot pepper known for its brutal and lingering heat. It’s a must-try for hot sauce makers looking for the ultimate burn! 🚀🌡️

🌶️ 9. Infinity Pepper – The Flash Fire Heat 🔥

🔥 Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 1,250,000 SHUs

For a brief time, the Infinity Pepper held the Guinness title for the world’s hottest pepper in 2011. While it has been surpassed, its rapid onset of fiery heat still makes it a heavyweight in the chili world! 🔥🌡️

🌶️ 10. 7 Pot Barrackpore – A Caribbean Firestorm 🌋🔥

🔥 Scoville Heat Units (SHU): Up to 1,300,000 SHUs

Known for its gnarly, wrinkled appearance, the 7 Pot Barrackpore is one of the hottest 7 Pot varieties, packing an earthy, fruity punch along with scorching heat. 🏝️🔥

🌶️ 11-15: Other Super-Hot Contenders 🔥🔥🔥

  1. Naga Viper – A fiery hybrid with 1,350,000 SHUs 🚀🔥

  2. Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” – Former world champion with 1,463,700 SHUs 🦂🔥

  3. Trinidad 7 Pot – Extreme heat with a rich, fruity flavor 🍓🔥

  4. 7 Pot Primo – A twisted, tail-like pepper with 1,500,000 SHUs 🔥

  5. Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) – The classic spice challenge pepper with 1,041,427 SHUs 👻🔥

🔥 Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Handle the Heat? 🌡️

If you’re a true chilihead, these hottest peppers of 2024 offer the ultimate challenge. Whether you're making hot sauces, spicy rubs, or daring to eat them whole, these peppers are not for the faint of heart! 🌶️💀

🌶️ Hottest Peppers FAQ 🔥

🌶️ What is the hottest pepper in the world as of 2024?
As of 2024, the hottest pepper in the world is Pepper X, developed by Ed Currie. It boasts a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of approximately 2.69 million, surpassing previous record holders like the Carolina Reaper.
🔥 How does the Scoville Scale measure pepper heat?
The Scoville Scale measures the spiciness of peppers by quantifying their capsaicin content—the compound responsible for heat. Higher Scoville Heat Units (SHUs) indicate a hotter pepper.
🌱 Can I grow super-hot peppers like Pepper X at home?
Growing super-hot peppers at home is possible but requires specific conditions: a warm climate, well-draining soil, and consistent care. Seeds for some varieties may be hard to find due to exclusivity.
🍽️ What precautions should I take when handling extremely hot peppers?
When handling super-hot peppers, wear gloves to prevent skin irritation, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Use caution when cooking, as capsaicin can cause intense burning sensations.
🧪 Are there health benefits associated with consuming hot peppers?
Capsaicin, found in hot peppers, has been linked to various health benefits, including pain relief, improved metabolism, and cardiovascular health. However, consumption should be moderate to avoid digestive discomfort.