Carolina Reaper: The World's Hottest Pepper
Everything you need to know about the Carolina Reaper, including its Scoville rating, flavor profile, growing tips, and safety precautions.
Carolina Reaper: The World's Hottest Pepper
With an average of 1.6 million Scoville Heat Units and peaks reaching 2.2 million, the Carolina Reaper held the Guinness World Record for the world's hottest pepper from 2013 to 2023.
The Numbers
- Average heat: 1,600,000 SHU
- Peak heat: 2,200,000 SHU
- Comparison: 200-400x hotter than a jalapeño
Flavor Profile
Despite the extreme heat, Reapers have a surprisingly fruity, slightly sweet flavor with hints of cinnamon and chocolate. You just need to get past the burning to taste it!
Appearance
The Carolina Reaper is easily identified by:
- Distinctive scorpion-like tail
- Bumpy, pockmarked skin
- Bright red color when ripe
- Size of a golf ball
Growing Carolina Reapers
Climate Requirements
- Temperature: 70-90°F
- Growing season: 90-100 days from transplant
- Sunlight: Full sun (8+ hours)
Soil and Care
Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Reapers are heavy feeders - fertilize every 2-3 weeks during growing season.
Pro tip: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. These peppers take their time!
Safety Precautions
ALWAYS wear gloves when handling Reapers. The capsaicin oil can cause severe burning that lasts for hours.
Safety tips:
- Never touch your face after handling
- Work in a well-ventilated area
- Have milk or ice cream ready
- Consider safety glasses when cutting
Culinary Uses
Use Carolina Reapers sparingly:
- Hot sauce: Blend with fruit to balance the heat
- Powder: Dry and grind for extreme chili powder
- Extract: Make pepper extract for tiny heat additions
- Challenges: Only if you really know what you're doing!
Health Benefits
Like all peppers, Reapers contain:
- Capsaicin (anti-inflammatory)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Antioxidants
But given the extreme heat, you won't be eating enough to get significant nutritional benefits!
Final Thoughts
The Carolina Reaper isn't for everyone. It's a novelty pepper that's more about the experience than practical everyday use. But if you're a serious chilihead looking for the ultimate challenge, nothing beats growing your own Reapers.