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When we were asked which among the world’s peppers would be the hottest, the first thing that came to mind was the ghost pepper.
However, that spicy vegetable is only No.4 according to a seemingly comprehensive ranking, despite packing a lot of heat.
Let me share with you the 2014 results according to USA Today:
1. Trinidad moruga scorpion 2 million SHU
Have you ever tried to chew a whole jalapeño pepper? Try to multiply it by 400 and that is how hot the Tinidad moruga scorpion is. It’s size and shape make it look a bit like a golf ball.
2. Chocolate 7-Pot 1.8 million SHU
It comes from the same place as the first place moruga scorpion. This chocolate 7-pot has the same shape as habanero with little dimples all throughout. Although it is very rare to find, you better use gloves if you plan to hold it or else you’ll regret it.
3. Trinidad Scorpion Butch T 1.5 million SHU
It was ranked as the world’s hottest pepper by Guinness World Records in 2013, making it necessary for it’s cultivators to wear chemical masks and body suits.
4. Naga Bhut Jolokia 1 million SHU
Also known as “ghost pepper,” it was named the world’s hottest pepper by Guinness World Records in 2007. The Naga Bhut Jolokia is 400 times hotter than Tabasco sauce. This Indian chili pepper grows to about 2.4 to 3.3 inches long with a red, yellow, orange or chocolate color.
5. Red Trinidad 7 Pot
It is a rare relative of Trinidad Scorpion which usually grows on small, private farms in the rural area of Trinidad. It’s name originated from the fact that a single pepper can heat 7 pots of stew.
6. Chocolate Habanero
It is a 2 inch chili pepper that starts from an emerald green color and turns chocolate-colored, which is where it’s name is derived, when it ripens. This is one of the ingredients in Carribean jerk sauces and marinades.
7. Red Savina Habanero 500, 000 SHU
It was considered as the “world’s hottest pepper” Guinness record between 1994 and 2006, and has been selectively bred to produce hotter, heavier fruit. It was reported that 1 gram of this pepper can cause detectable heat in 1,272 pounds of sauce.
8. Scotch Bonnet 350, 000 SHU
It’s name is derived from the Scottish Tam o’Shanter hat as it resembles said hat. It can be found in the Caribbean and is used to flavor hot sauce and condiments worldwide.
9. Orange Habanero 250, 000 SHU
This lantern-shaped pepper is 1 to 1.5 inches long and ripens from green to light orange. It is being used in both Mexican and Caribbean dishes.
10. Rocoto 175, 000 SHU
It is considered as the pepper with many names such as locoto, caballo, manzano and canario. It is an apple or pear-shaped with black seeds and hairy leaves. Before the fiery heat blasts your tongue, it gives a sweet, citrus taste.
