Top 15 Hottest Peppers on the Scoville Scale | Tasty Pepper 2024
Hottest Peppers In The World
The quest for the hottest peppers continues to push the boundaries of what our taste buds can handle. In 2024, the Scoville Scale remains the definitive measure for ranking the spiciness of peppers, capturing the heat that these fiery fruits bring. From the reigning champions to emerging contenders, here’s a detailed look at the hottest peppers on the Scoville Scale.
1. Pepper X
Pepper X is currently the hottest pepper in the world, boasting an astounding Scoville rating of over 3 million Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). Developed by Ed Currie, the same mastermind behind the Carolina Reaper, Pepper X has been in the spotlight for its unprecedented heat. This pepper has officially been recognized by Guinness World Records. With an intense, searing heat that builds over time, Pepper X is not for the faint of heart.
2. Carolina Reaper
Once the undisputed king of hot peppers, the Carolina Reaper still holds a prominent place on the Scoville Scale, with an average of 1.6 million SHUs and peaks reaching 2.2 million SHUs. Known for its distinctive tail and fruity flavor, this pepper is used in extreme hot sauces and spicy food challenges worldwide. Despite being surpassed by Pepper X, the Carolina Reaper remains a legend in the world of chili peppers.
3. Komodo Dragon
The Komodo Dragon pepper, a relative newcomer, has quickly climbed the ranks with a Scoville rating of around 1.4 million SHUs. Developed in the UK by Salvatore Genovese, this pepper combines an initial sweetness with a delayed, intense heat that lingers long after consumption. Its popularity is growing among those seeking a powerful punch of heat in their culinary adventures.
4. Trinidad Moruga Scorpion
Originating from the Moruga district in Trinidad, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper is known for its potent heat, averaging around 1.2 million SHUs with peaks close to 2 million SHUs. This pepper has a slow-building heat that intensifies over time, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a prolonged burn. The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion is also prized for its fruity flavor, which complements its fiery kick.
5. 7 Pot Douglah
The 7 Pot Douglah, also known as the Chocolate 7 Pot, is one of the hottest peppers in the world extremely hot pepper from Trinidad, with a Scoville rating that can reach up to 1.8 million SHUs. This pepper is unique for its dark brown color and intense heat. The name "7 Pot" comes from the claim that one pepper is enough to spice up seven pots of stew. The 7 Pot Douglah is highly sought after for making extremely hot sauces and powders.
6. Dorset Naga
The Dorset Naga, a variety of the Naga Morich, hails from Bangladesh and the UK, where it has been selectively bred to maximize its heat. With a Scoville rating that can exceed 1.5 million SHUs, the Dorset Naga is known for its fiery heat and distinct fruity flavor. It has become a popular choice for those looking to add a serious kick to their dishes.
7. Naga Morich
The Naga Morich, closely related to the Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia), is a blisteringly hot pepper with a Scoville rating that typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 million SHUs. This pepper is cultivated in Bangladesh and is known for its intense heat and fruity undertones. The Naga Morich is often used in traditional dishes, where just a small amount can add significant heat.
8. 7 Pot Brain Strain
The 7 Pot Brain Strain is a variety of the 7 Pot pepper, with a Scoville rating that can reach up to 1.4 million SHUs. This pepper is named for its distinctive brain-like appearance and is known for its intense, lingering heat. The 7 Pot Brain Strain is favored by chili enthusiasts who enjoy a prolonged and powerful burn.
9. Infinity Pepper
The Infinity Pepper held the Guinness World Record for the hottest pepper in the world for a short time in 2011, with a Scoville rating of approximately 1.25 million SHUs. While it has since been surpassed by other peppers, the Infinity Pepper remains a formidable contender in the world of extreme heat. This pepper is known for its rapid onset of heat, which can overwhelm even the most seasoned chili aficionados.
10. 7 Pot Barrackpore
The 7 Pot Barrackpore is another variety of the 7 Pot pepper, with a Scoville rating that can reach up to 1.3 million SHUs. This pepper is one of the hottest in the 7 Pot family and is known for its wrinkled appearance and searing heat. The 7 Pot Barrackpore is often used in hot sauces and spice blends where maximum heat is desired.
11. Naga Viper
The Naga Viper was developed in the UK and briefly held the title of the world's hottest pepper in 2011, with a Scoville rating of around 1.35 million SHUs. This pepper is a hybrid of the Naga Morich, Bhut Jolokia, and Trinidad Scorpion, combining the heat of all three into one potent package. The Naga Viper is known for its intense and immediate heat, making it a popular choice for hot sauces and spicy foods.
12. Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T”
The Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” was recognized as the hottest pepper in the world in 2011, with a Scoville rating of around 1.46 million SHUs. This pepper, named after Butch Taylor, who propagated the strain, is known for its scorpion-like tail and intense heat. The Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” remains a favorite among those who enjoy pushing the limits of spice.
13. Trinidad 7 Pot
The Trinidad 7 Pot pepper, like other 7 Pot varieties, is named for its ability to heat seven pots of stew with a single pepper. With a Scoville rating of up to 1.2 million SHUs, the Trinidad 7 Pot is known for its extreme heat and rich flavor. This pepper is commonly used in hot sauces and cooking for those who crave serious heat.
14. 7 Pot Primo
The 7 Pot Primo, another member of the 7 Pot family, was developed by Troy Primeaux in Louisiana and has a Scoville rating that can reach up to 1.5 million SHUs. This pepper is known for its long, twisted tail and intense heat. The 7 Pot Primo is often used in hot sauces and spice blends, where its potent heat and fruity flavor shine.
15. Ghost Pepper
The Ghost Pepper, or Bhut Jolokia, was the first pepper to exceed 1 million SHUs, making it the hottest pepper in the world in 2007. Although it has since been surpassed by other peppers, the Ghost Pepper remains an iconic symbol of extreme heat. With a Scoville rating that typically ranges from 800,000 to 1.04 million SHUs, the Ghost Pepper is known for its slow-building heat and smoky, fruity flavor.
The quest for the hottest peppers continues to push the boundaries of what our taste buds can handle. In 2024, the Scoville Scale remains the definitive measure for ranking the spiciness of peppers, capturing the heat that these fiery fruits bring. From the reigning champions to emerging contenders, here’s a detailed look at the hottest peppers on the Scoville Scale.
1. Pepper X
Pepper X is currently the hottest pepper in the world, boasting an astounding Scoville rating of over 3 million Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). Developed by Ed Currie, the same mastermind behind the Carolina Reaper, Pepper X has been in the spotlight for its unprecedented heat. This pepper has officially been recognized by Guinness World Records. With an intense, searing heat that builds over time, Pepper X is not for the faint of heart.
2. Carolina Reaper
Once the undisputed king of hot peppers, the Carolina Reaper still holds a prominent place on the Scoville Scale, with an average of 1.6 million SHUs and peaks reaching 2.2 million SHUs. Known for its distinctive tail and fruity flavor, this pepper is used in extreme hot sauces and spicy food challenges worldwide. Despite being surpassed by Pepper X, the Carolina Reaper remains a legend in the world of chili peppers.
3. Komodo Dragon
The Komodo Dragon pepper, a relative newcomer, has quickly climbed the ranks with a Scoville rating of around 1.4 million SHUs. Developed in the UK by Salvatore Genovese, this pepper combines an initial sweetness with a delayed, intense heat that lingers long after consumption. Its popularity is growing among those seeking a powerful punch of heat in their culinary adventures.
4. Trinidad Moruga Scorpion
Originating from the Moruga district in Trinidad, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper is known for its potent heat, averaging around 1.2 million SHUs with peaks close to 2 million SHUs. This pepper has a slow-building heat that intensifies over time, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a prolonged burn. The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion is also prized for its fruity flavor, which complements its fiery kick.
5. 7 Pot Douglah
The 7 Pot Douglah, also known as the Chocolate 7 Pot, is one of the hottest peppers in the world extremely hot pepper from Trinidad, with a Scoville rating that can reach up to 1.8 million SHUs. This pepper is unique for its dark brown color and intense heat. The name "7 Pot" comes from the claim that one pepper is enough to spice up seven pots of stew. The 7 Pot Douglah is highly sought after for making extremely hot sauces and powders.
6. Dorset Naga
The Dorset Naga, a variety of the Naga Morich, hails from Bangladesh and the UK, where it has been selectively bred to maximize its heat. With a Scoville rating that can exceed 1.5 million SHUs, the Dorset Naga is known for its fiery heat and distinct fruity flavor. It has become a popular choice for those looking to add a serious kick to their dishes.
7. Naga Morich
The Naga Morich, closely related to the Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia), is a blisteringly hot pepper with a Scoville rating that typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 million SHUs. This pepper is cultivated in Bangladesh and is known for its intense heat and fruity undertones. The Naga Morich is often used in traditional dishes, where just a small amount can add significant heat.
8. 7 Pot Brain Strain
The 7 Pot Brain Strain is a variety of the 7 Pot pepper, with a Scoville rating that can reach up to 1.4 million SHUs. This pepper is named for its distinctive brain-like appearance and is known for its intense, lingering heat. The 7 Pot Brain Strain is favored by chili enthusiasts who enjoy a prolonged and powerful burn.
9. Infinity Pepper
The Infinity Pepper held the Guinness World Record for the hottest pepper in the world for a short time in 2011, with a Scoville rating of approximately 1.25 million SHUs. While it has since been surpassed by other peppers, the Infinity Pepper remains a formidable contender in the world of extreme heat. This pepper is known for its rapid onset of heat, which can overwhelm even the most seasoned chili aficionados.
10. 7 Pot Barrackpore
The 7 Pot Barrackpore is another variety of the 7 Pot pepper, with a Scoville rating that can reach up to 1.3 million SHUs. This pepper is one of the hottest in the 7 Pot family and is known for its wrinkled appearance and searing heat. The 7 Pot Barrackpore is often used in hot sauces and spice blends where maximum heat is desired.
11. Naga Viper
The Naga Viper was developed in the UK and briefly held the title of the world's hottest pepper in 2011, with a Scoville rating of around 1.35 million SHUs. This pepper is a hybrid of the Naga Morich, Bhut Jolokia, and Trinidad Scorpion, combining the heat of all three into one potent package. The Naga Viper is known for its intense and immediate heat, making it a popular choice for hot sauces and spicy foods.
12. Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T”
The Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” was recognized as the hottest pepper in the world in 2011, with a Scoville rating of around 1.46 million SHUs. This pepper, named after Butch Taylor, who propagated the strain, is known for its scorpion-like tail and intense heat. The Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” remains a favorite among those who enjoy pushing the limits of spice.
13. Trinidad 7 Pot
The Trinidad 7 Pot pepper, like other 7 Pot varieties, is named for its ability to heat seven pots of stew with a single pepper. With a Scoville rating of up to 1.2 million SHUs, the Trinidad 7 Pot is known for its extreme heat and rich flavor. This pepper is commonly used in hot sauces and cooking for those who crave serious heat.
14. 7 Pot Primo
The 7 Pot Primo, another member of the 7 Pot family, was developed by Troy Primeaux in Louisiana and has a Scoville rating that can reach up to 1.5 million SHUs. This pepper is known for its long, twisted tail and intense heat. The 7 Pot Primo is often used in hot sauces and spice blends, where its potent heat and fruity flavor shine.
15. Ghost Pepper
The Ghost Pepper, or Bhut Jolokia, was the first pepper to exceed 1 million SHUs, making it the hottest pepper in the world in 2007. Although it has since been surpassed by other peppers, the Ghost Pepper remains an iconic symbol of extreme heat. With a Scoville rating that typically ranges from 800,000 to 1.04 million SHUs, the Ghost Pepper is known for its slow-building heat and smoky, fruity flavor.