Carolina Reaper

about the Carolina Reaper, which is currently recognized as the world's hottest pepper by the Guinness World Records.

The Carolina Reaper, whose scientific name is Capsicum chinense, is a variety of hot pepper that is native to the Americas. It is characterized by its bright red color and its glossy, smooth texture. It is a hybrid pepper, created by cross-breeding a Pakistani Naga pepper with a Red Habanero pepper.

The Carolina Reaper is known for its extreme heat, which is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The Scoville scale is a method of measuring the heat of a pepper by quantifying the amount of capsaicin present. Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the burning sensation that peppers produce. The higher the amount of capsaicin, the hotter the pepper.

On the Scoville scale, the Carolina Reaper rates an average of 1,569,300 SHU, which is significantly hotter than other well-known hot peppers like the Habanero (100,000-350,000 SHU) or the Jalapeno (2,500-8,000 SHU). In fact, the Carolina Reaper is more than 10 times hotter than the previous record holder, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion.

The Carolina Reaper was bred by Ed Currie of the PuckerButt Pepper Company in South Carolina, who wanted to create a pepper that was not only incredibly hot but also had a unique and delicious flavor. The pepper was officially recognized as the world's hottest by Guinness World Records in 2013.

The Carolina Reaper is not only known for its heat but also for its fruity and slightly sweet flavor, which is often described as being similar to that of a tropical fruit. It is often used in hot sauces, seasonings, and even beers. However, it is important to note that handling the pepper can cause skin irritation and burning, so gloves and protective clothing are recommended when handling it.

In summary, the Carolina Reaper is the hottest pepper in the world, with a Scoville heat rating of 1,569,300 SHU. It is characterized by its bright red color, glossy texture, and unique fruity flavor. It was bred by Ed Currie of the PuckerButt Pepper Company in South Carolina and is commonly used in hot sauces and seasonings. When handling the pepper, it is important to take precautions to avoid skin irritation and burning.