how much scoville units does a ghost pepper have

• my account Sign in Register Gift Certificates

Top 10 Hottest Peppers on the Scoville Scale

Posted by Ghost Scream Hot Sauce on Jun 4th 2021

Some like it hot and we agree. However, if you didn’t already know, some peppers have a more intense flavor than others. Why is this?

Well, it all comes down to cultivation. With many crossbreeding enterprises popping up, it is becoming more common than ever to see a ton of flavorful peppers with an intense amount of heat.

Keep reading to learn about the ten hottest peppers according to the Scoville scale, a measurement of the pungency of peppers in “Scoville Heat Units”.

10. Red Savina - 500,000 SHU

Developed in California, the Red Savina Habanero Pepper is considered the tenth hottest in the world. With a Scoville Heat Unit rating of just over 500,000, it is a commercial favorite for specialty hot sauce makers around the globe. As a fun fact, the Red Savina held the Guinness Book of World Records top spot for twelve years, from 1994 to 2006.

9. 7 Pot Jonah (Red Giant) - 1,000,000 SHU

Originating in Trinidad, the 7 Pot Jonah has a whopping 1,000,000 SHU. The pods are said to grow as large as a tennis ball and can season up to seven pots of meat per pod. This pepper variety is also known for a slightly fruity flavor, which makes it ideal for use in chili sauces and other condiments.

8. 7 Pot Barrackpore - 1,000,000 SHU

Also hailing from the country of Trinidad, the 7 Pot Barrackpore is like the Jonah, but has a bit different flavor. With right around 1,000,000 SHU, it is slightly more bitter than other varieties from the same family line. However, it can grow slightly larger and in less time than other 7 Pot peppers.

7. Ghost Pepper - 1,042,000 SHU

Of course, you already know we’re awfully fond of the variety that comes in seventh on the hottest peppers list. The Ghost Pepper ranks around 1,041,427 Scoville Heat Units and is primarily grown in India. From 2006 to 2010, it was deemed the hottest pepper in the world, taking over the title from Red Savina. Of course, sometimes you want flavor and not just an insane amount of heat. That’s why we primarily use Ghost Peppers in our  gourmet hot sauces .

6. Naga Viper - 1,349,000 SHU

Interestingly, the Naga Viper comes from England, a country that is not typically known for growing peppers. With a Scoville Scale rank of 1,349,000, it is a cross between three other hot peppers: Naga Morich, Ghost Pepper, and the Trinidad Scorpion. It has not competed for the title of the hottest pepper but makes our list.

5. Scorpion Butch - 1,464,000 SHU

If you’re looking for a sweet flavor and tons of heat, then you’ll love the Scorpion Butch from Trinidad. With 1,464,000 SHU, it took over the top spot on the list of hottest peppers in 2011. These plants often grow over three foot tall, providing a bountiful harvest for those who love spicy peppers.

4. Primo - 1,469,000 SHU

Developed by a cultivator named Troy Primeaux, the Primo Pepper originates from New Orleans, Louisiana. While it hasn’t competed for the top spot, the story behind this spicy pepper is quite entertaining. As a member of a local band, Primeaux took a leave of absence to try his hand at pepper farming. The results? Fans of the band decided to market the spicy pepper, making it a Cajun favorite.

3. 7 Pot Douglah - 1,854,000 SHU

Next on the list, we have the 7 Pot Douglah. If you’re noticing a trend here, you’re right. These 7 Pot varieties come from the same farmers in Trinidad, who have made it their mission to continue to outdo themselves with hotter and hotter peppers. With a whopping 1,854,000 SHU, this one is also called the Chocolate 7 Pot, thanks to a dark purple-like exterior.

2. Moruga Trinidad Scorpion - 2,009,000 SHU

The Moruga Trinidad Scorpion is a specialty pepper deemed the world’s hottest in 2012. Later overtaken by the Carolina Reaper, it is known for having a fruity sweet or cotton candy aroma. However, the massive 2,009,000 SHU makes it far from enjoyable as a treat! The moderate size and intense flavor make it easy to use for sauces or other recipes.

1. Carolina Reaper - 2,200,000 SHU

Deemed the hottest pepper around in 2013, the Carolina Reaper comes in at the top on this scale with a massive 2,200,000 Scoville Heat Units. Developed in South Carolina, the intense flavor has garnered this pepper tons of attention over the last few years. Despite the extreme heat level, it is said to have a bit of a cherry or chocolate undertone, which is why it has really gained popularity for use in specialty hot sauce products.

Try Our Ghost Pepper Gourmet Hot Sauces

Are you feeling adventurous? Then you’ll love trying out the 10 super-hot pepper varieties we’ve included on this list. In fact, we have multiple options in our hot sauce store for you to try out.

Our  Original Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce contains (you guessed it!) ghost peppers. In addition, we have a  truffle hot sauce variety that features the wonderful flavor of black truffle oil.

If you’re looking to try out the Carolina Reaper, you’ll love our  Ghost Reaper Hot Sauce . As one of two green hot sauce varieties we offer, it is one of the spicier options in our verde hot sauce inventory.

Itching to try out the Moruga Scorpion pepper? Then you’ll love our  Ghost Scream Vindaloo Curry Hot Sauce . It contains fresh Moruga Scorpion peppers, plus curry powder and honey.

Conclusion: The Hottest Pepper Varieties on the Planet

The toughest part about ranking the top pepper varieties on the planet by Scoville Scale is that the list is constantly changing. As new farmers and cultivators get in on the goal of trying to outdo each other, hotter peppers are becoming available. But that's okay! We'll be here to create new ghost pepper sauce recipes featuring these new creations.

While the information presented here is based on 2020 standards, there’s no doubt that summer crops this year will likely yield even hotter variations. Stay tuned to find out if the Carolina Reaper is bumped or it can hang on another year at the top spot!

© 2023 Ghost Scream Hot Sauce All rights reserved. | Sitemap

What Is a Ghost Pepper and How Hot Are They?

Perhaps you've watched talk shows where the host challenged a guest to eat a ghost pepper as part of an attention-grabbing segment. If you don't know anything about these super hot peppers, you might think it's an ordinary occurrence. 

Ghost peppers are some of the world’s hottest peppers — way hotter than jalapeño peppers or even habanero peppers — which means it's fairly impressive when someone can withstand the spice to eat one. In fact, in 2007, Guinness World Records labeled the ghost pepper the world’s hottest chili pepper.

Let's explore more about this pepper and everything you need to know before trying one. Then, we'll show you more ways to incorporate spice into your favorite meals for elevated home cooking.

Where Do Ghost Peppers Come From?

Ghost peppers are a hybrid pepper made from Capsicum Chinense and Capsicum Frutescens, and they're part of a family of peppers known as the Capsicum Chinense variety. This spicy pepper shares this classification with habanero, scotch bonnet, and red savina.

This kind of pepper is grown all over the world. However, they originate from northeast India, where they are a featured ingredient in curries. 

Ghost pepper plants are technically called bhut jolokia peppers (translated as “Bhutan pepper” in Assamese_)._ It has also earned the nickname bih zôlôkia in Assam_, which means “_poison chili”. In Nagaland, this pepper is called naga jolokia , which means “Naga chili.”

Are Ghost Peppers Healthy?

You may wonder if there are any nutritional benefits to eating ghost peppers. If you can stand the heat, this pepper has several nutritional benefits.

First, ghost peppers are low in calories and fat, making them an attractive addition to spicy dishes. Additionally, ghost peppers also include vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals throughout your body.

How Hot Are Ghost Peppers?

You may have heard of this infamous pepper and are curious about trying it yourself. If you're someone who can handle the spice, trying this pepper could be an exciting bucket list activity for you. 

Before you try this pepper, it's worth understanding how hot it can taste. Let's talk about the Scoville Heat Scale to understand how hot ghost peppers are. 

Scoville Rating

The Scoville Heat Scale is a system that ranks peppers, hot sauce, and other spicy foods according to Scoville Heat Units, or SHUs. The scale is named after Wilbur Scoville, who created the scale in 1972 to compare the heat of chili peppers based on capsaicinoids. 

On this scale, bell peppers maintain a ranking of 0 SHUs, having no spice whatsoever. 

In 2007, the ghost pepper was crowned the spiciest pepper on the Scoville Scale at 800,000-1,001,300 SHUs. However, since then, cross-breeding peppers have caused the ghost pepper to lose its top-ranked position. Despite this, it remains an impressive spice level, nearly three times as hot as habaneros. 

Today, the Carolina Reaper pepper has earned a spot at the very top of the scale with 2,200,000 Scoville Heat Units.

What Are the Pros Eating a Ghost Pepper?

Want to try a ghost pepper for yourself? Before you make the decision to try this pepper, you may want to weigh the pros and cons. Then, you can know for certain whether ghost peppers are for you or if you should stick with other spicy dishes to satisfy your cravings.

Ghost Peppers Are Safe for Some People

Beginning with the pros, it's worth noting that some people can eat bits of this pepper with little discomfort. The rule of thumb is that you may be able to eat them every day as long as the amount you consume is under 1/50th of your body weight. 

Though you may be able to eat parts of a ghost pepper every day, you probably want to avoid eating an entire ghost pepper regularly since the sensation can be intense and even painful. 

Ghost Peppers Can Give You Bragging Rights

Another potentially positive factor of trying ghost peppers is the bragging rights that can accompany the experience. 

Since these peppers have a reputation as one of the world's hottest-known foods, taking a bite of one is impressive. If you think you can take the heat, eating part of a ghost pepper could be a conversation starter that leaves people stunned.

What Are the Cons of Eating Ghost Peppers?

Let's discuss the possible cons of eating a ghost pepper. 

Ghost Peppers Can Cause Physical Discomfort

As we have mentioned, this pepper has earned its ranking toward the top of the Scoville heat scale, making it a food not many can try comfortably. 

After trying this pepper, some people report feeling that their whole body feels as if it is on fire. Here’s a disclaimer: if you plan on trying this food, it's best to wear gloves and goggles since even the oils on the outside of the pepper can cause a burning sensation. 

Ghost Peppers Can Cause Adverse Reactions

When deciding whether you want to try this pepper, it's a good idea to keep the possible side effects in mind. For one, eating this pepper in large quantities can lead to hospitalization, so it's not a pepper to play around with. 

If you still think eating this pepper is something you want to try, be aware that capsaicin is the primary factor that makes peppers hot. This substance activates the pain sensors in your nerves, and too much of it has caused some to experience seizures, heart attacks, or hallucinations. The essential guiding principle for this pepper is that everything is best in moderation.

Recipes To Make With Ghost Peppers

Are you still feeling adventurous? If you want to give ghost peppers a try in small quantities, you can do so with a few easy recipe ideas. Let's take a look at dish ideas you can try if you have a predisposition for spice. 

• Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce: Do you want to take your burritos to new spice levels? You can combine ghost peppers, tomatoes, vinegar, and olive oil to create an extra extra-hot hot sauce.
• Pineapple Ghost Chili Sauce: This hot sauce adds some sweetness from pineapple to counteract the blast of heat from the ghost peppers. 
• Ghost Pepper Jelly: Did you know you can make jelly from ghost peppers, sugar, pectin, and cider vinegar? Spread it on toast if you dare.

Ghost Pepper Tip: If you plan on preparing ghost pepper hot sauce, chili, jelly, or spread, try adding very little amounts of the pepper initially. You can always add more if you want an extra fiery sensation, and adding little bits at a time can ensure you achieve a brilliant fire-to-flavor ratio.

More Spicy Meal Ideas

Perhaps you're a lover of all things spicy, but you need more time to be ready to traverse into the territory of the ghost pepper. If you want to indulge in more flavorful, decadent hot sauces and spicy home-cooked meals, we've got a few easy ideas to make your dreams a reality. 

Try Adding Hot Sauce to Your Snack Platters

What makes the perfect snack tray for guests visiting your home? Having several flavors on deck can make for a well-rounded tasting experience. 

If you've already planned sweet and savory dishes, consider adding some spice to the mix for a tantalizing, mouth-watering touch. TRUFF Luxury Hot Sauces make the perfect match for burritos, wings, and even snacks like popcorn.

Cook Spicy Italian Dishes

The savory, bold flavors of traditional pasta dishes make Italian cuisine popular in many households. Still, even the most well-loved dishes could use a tune-up now and then. If you want to add a personal touch to some of your favorite Italian recipes, consider using TRUFF Black Truffle Arrabbiata Sauce.

TRUFF Black Truffle Arrabbiata Sauce is a high-quality pasta sauce that has a vibrant tomato flavor combined with elegant truffles and bold red chili peppers. Try substituting your usual pasta sauce for this alternative for an elevated Italian dish that brings the heat. 

Add Heat to Your Sandwich Game

What separates an incredible sandwich from a boring one? Often, the quality of the ingredients hold a significant influence, but the condiments steer the ship when it comes to flavor.

Our TRUFF Spicy Mayonnaise includes all the high-quality ingredients of our usual truffle mayonnaise with added spice. Include this spicy spread on your favorite sandwiches, and you'll be addicted to each bite.

Elevate Your Home Cooking With TRUFF

Trying ghost peppers is one way to branch out and experience fiery flavors, but it's not for everybody. 

When you want to enjoy your dish with mild or moderate spice that doesn't overpower other flavors, adding TRUFF sauces into the mix is the way to go. Spicy TRUFF sauces can enhance your favorite meals with the best-quality ingredients and indulgent truffles in every bite.

The Ghost Chili | University of Wisconsin 

Is that chile pepper hot or not? - AgriLife Today | Texas A&M University

Ghost pepper | PolyCentric | Cal Poly Pomona

FACEBOOK MESSENGER

© 2023 TRUFF

Stay Updated

Subscribe for weekly recipes, updates, and more.

Veteran -OWNED, TEXAS PROUD

The Ghost Pepper on The Scoville Scale

For the true aficionado of hot and spicy, the ghost pepper deserves a special place in their culinary hall of fame. Reaching up to an impressive 1 million units on the Scoville scale , this fierce pepper has earned its place as one of the hottest naturally occurring ingredients around.

But why are we so obsessed with eating something that is literally burning hot? Let's talk about what makes this chili so ferocious, how it's used in popular dishes, and some ghost pepper hot sauces to try!

What is the Scoville Scale and How Does it Work

If you have ever bitten into a chili pepper and felt the intense heat spreading throughout your mouth, that heat in all peppers is caused by one simple natural ingredient... capsaicin. The compound called capsaicin is found in varying levels in peppers and is what causes the burning sensations you feel.

The Scoville Scale is a measurement of how spicy a pepper is based on its capsaicin content. It was developed by Wilbur Scoville in 1912 and originally measured through a taste test.

Today, the Scoville Scale is calculated by using high-performance liquid chromatography to determine the capsaicin concentration in a pepper. The higher the concentration, the spicier the pepper. So, the next time you're in the mood for something spicy, you can check on the Scoville Scale to get a rough idea of how hot that chili pepper may be.

The Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper on the Scoville Scale

The infamous ghost pepper, also known as the Bhut Jolokia, is one of the hottest peppers around. It's so hot that it was once used to make tear gas! Just kidding, we just made that up... but it is HOT.

It stands tall on the Scoville Scale at around 1,041,427 SHU. But with any pepper that can range depending on how the pepper was grown, where it was grown, and many other factors. On the low end, the bhut jolokia ghost pepper can also be around 855,000.

Jalapeños have a Scoville rating that ranges from 2,500 to 8,000. While this may seem low compared to some of the hotter peppers like the 7 pot primo or Carolina reapers, jalapeños still pack a decent amount of heat.

To put its heat into perspective, here is the Scoville rating of the jalapeño pepper alongside some other well-known peppers:

Bell pepper: 0 SHU

Jalapeño pepper: 2,500-8,000 SHU

Serrano pepper: 10,000-25,000 SHU

Ghost Pepper: 1,041,427 SHU

So yeah, it's hot!

History of The Ghost Pepper

The Bhut Jolokia ghost pepper comes from the Northeast region of India and the name “Bhut Jolokia” literally translates to “Ghost Pepper.” It was officially discovered in 2000 and has since become a popular ingredient in many spicy dishes, sauces, and snacks worldwide.

In 2007 it made its way into the Guinness Book of World Records as the hottest chili pepper on Earth with an average score of 1,041,427 SHU. However, it has since been surpassed by the Carolina Reaper.

Ghost Pepper Hot Sauces

If you're brave enough to try it out for yourself, there are quite a few recipes online that require the use of this hot chili pepper.

For those who just want to add some heat without cooking up something themselves, there are plenty of amazing ghost pepper hot sauces out there. Here are a few of our personal favorites:

Mikey V's - Sweet Ghost Pepper

Ghostly Garlic Hot Sauce

Texas Ex's

The Different Types of Ghost Peppers

Although the Bhut Jolokia is the most popular, there are actually several varieties of ghost pepper out there. The red ghost pepper that most people are familiar with is just one of many.

Red Ghost Pepper

The red ghost pepper is also often called Naga Jolokia and Bih Jolokia has long pods typically with a bumpy texture.​ Its flavor can be smokey and slightly fruity.

Green Ghost Pepper

The green ghost pepper is a younger and immature version of the red ghost. Taste wise it can have a grassy, fruity, and floral taste. Typically the green ghost pepper won't have as much heat as the red.

Peach Ghost Pepper

The peach Bhut Jolokia tends to have longer pendant pods than the other ghost peppers. Pods on it can start by growing green but eventually turn into a pinkish, peach color. Some even turn orange if left for too long.

Yellow Ghost Pepper

The yellow ghost pepper is unique as it was a natural variant and not a hybrid. Again, the pepper will start green but will grow yellow as it begins to ripen. Tastewise, you'll find it very similar to the red ghost pepper.

White Ghost Pepper

​The white ghost pepper is a rare version that you won't see very often. It also has a more unique look to it as it doesn't have bumps much like the others. It comes with a slightly citrus flavor.

Chocolate Ghost Pepper

The chocolate ghost pepper is not a chili pepper covered with chocolate... but rather naturally grows and turns into a chocolate color. They tend to be a bit smoky and can be very aromatic!

Purple Ghost Pepper

Lastly, we have the purple ghost pepper. Some of these will start off growing with a purple color and eventually turn red. Others can start off green and then turn purple and then red. They have your typical bhut jolokia tastes and flavor profiles, but they can bit a bit more timid with their heat levels.

Are You Going To Try The Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper?

The Bhut Jolokia ghost pepper is one of the spiciest peppers out there. It can range from 1,041,427 SHU on the Scoville Scale and comes in a variety of colors. From red, green, peach, yellow, white, chocolate, and purple - there are plenty of options for anyone looking to get a bit of heat.

Whether you're looking to add heat to a dish or just curious about the Bhut Jolokia ghost pepper, there's a lot of information out there to learn and explore. From its history, different varieties, and hot sauces .

So if you ever find yourself feeling brave enough to try out the heat of a ghost pepper, grab some gloves and go for it! Just make sure you know what your tolerance level is first.

• Chile Peppers
• Scoville Scale

Recent Posts

Understanding The Scoville Scale: Made Simple

The Ultimate Guide to The Jalapeños Scoville Rating

The Science of Spiciness: How Hot Sauce Triggers Your Taste Buds

Your cart is empty

Have an account?

Log in to check out faster.

Texas Gift Sets

Ghost Pepper Scoville Units: How To Calculate The Heat Level Of A Ghost Pepper

Ghost peppers are among the hottest chilis on earth. They're also very rare, so finding one in the wild isn't easy. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy them at home. Here's how to measure the heat level of a fresh ghost pepper.

What Is The Scoville Scale? The Scoville scale measures the heat level of a food based on the amount of capsaicin (the chemical compound responsible for spicy flavors) found within it. The higher the number, the hotter the pepper.

How Does The Scoville Scale Work? The Scoville unit was developed in 1912 by Wilbur Scoville, an American pharmacist who worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He wanted to find a way to measure the heat levels of peppers so he could determine which ones were the hottest.

Buy Melinda's Ghost Pepper Wing Sauce Here Buy Melinda's Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce Here

How Do You Find Out The Scoville Rating Of A Ghost Chili?

In order to calculate the heat level, you need to multiply the grams of capsaicin per 100 millilitres of liquid by the Scoville units assigned to each measurement. The ghost pepper ranks at 1,041,427 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) at the top end of the scale.

How Much Can I Eat? If you eat one gram of capsaicin, you will feel an intense burning sensation in your mouth and throat. However, the actual amount of capsaicin required to cause pain varies between people. This means that the same amount of capsaicin can produce different levels of discomfort in different individuals.

What is Melindas Ghost Pepper Sauce Scoville ?

Melinda's Ghost Pepper Sauce is made with Bhut Jolokia. And according to Guiness Book of Records, it is one of the world's hottest chili peppers.  Melinda’s takes this super hot pepper and blends it with fresh and all-natural ingredients including habanero peppers to make their sauce extra hot.  The Melindas ghost pepper sauce scoville(SHU) ranges between 50,000 – 250,000.  

Subscribe to our newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and always be the first to hear about what is happening..

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

Free US shipping on orders above $25 (excludes wholesale accounts)

[email protected]

Claim your discount

Sign up for our newsletter and receive 10% off your next order and our free hot sauce cook book!

How Hot Is Ghost Pepper Sauce Really?

Mar 22, 2022

From habaneros to jalapeños, hot peppers have become a staple in modern cuisine. Not only do they add a kick to our food, but they also have their own distinct flavor.

Now, if you’re a hot pepper enthusiast, then you’ve probably heard of the legendary ghost pepper. Since its introduction to the western world in the 2000s, this bad boy has been in the spotlight for over a decade due to its addictive taste and spiciness. Accordingly,  ghost pepper sauces became especially popular with many spice lovers.

Though it was well-known locally, it was an otherwise obscure pepper to the rest of India. However, ghost pepper exploded in popularity, both nationally and Internationally, when in 2000 the Indian Defense Test Laboratory discovered its Scoville rating. The rating was more than double the existing world champion, the Red Savina. Accordingly, ghost pepper sauces became incredibly popular with many spice lovers. Still, as popular as ghost pepper sauce is, few really know how hot it is. So, let’s dive into the world of ghost peppers and get ready to have your mind blown once you discover the Scoville rating.

What Is Scoville (SHU)?

To truly appreciate how spicy ghost pepper is, you first need to understand what the Scoville scale/Scoville rating is. Quite simply, the Scoville scale is a way of measuring how hot or spicy a chili pepper is. It was created in 1912 by pharmacist Wilbur Scoville and has been the most popular measurement of spiciness. Now, as you may already know, capsaicinoids, particularly capsaicin, are the components in chili peppers responsible for the spiciness. This means that the more capsaicin there is in a pepper, the more you’ll feel like a human flamethrower. That being so, the Scoville scale works by determining just how much capsaicin is present in a chili pepper, giving each pepper an appropriate number of Scoville Heat Units, aka SHU.

How Are Scoville Heat Units Measured?

Thankfully, understanding how the Scoville test works isn’t too complicated. Basically, you get a chili pepper or hot sauce and see how many times you need to dilute its capsaicin content with a sugar-water solution until you can no longer detect any spiciness or burning sensation. Accordingly, the more you need to dilute a pepper until it’s no longer spicy, the more capsaicin and number of Scoville Heat Units it has. Now, admittedly, the Scoville test is a bit subjective. Since it mostly depends on the feedback from a panel of humans, things can be a bit inaccurate. That’s because each human palate is unique and varies rather significantly from person to person. So, what one person can perceive as spicy, another may think it’s not. As such, a different method of heat measurement called high-performance liquid chromatography was invented to eliminate the human variable in the Scoville test. Nevertheless, to this day, the Scoville scale remains the dominant measurement of spiciness, where it’s widely used by both food lovers and experts all over the world.

How Hot Is Ghost Pepper Sauce?

The ghost pepper sauce Scoville rating is pretty dang astounding. Since many sauces aren’t just made with pure ghost peppers, and either make a ghost pepper brine, add sugar or other aromatics, it’s usually as spicy and as delicious as the actual fruit without the pure heat. So, how spicy are we talking here?

Bhut Jolokia Scoville Rating

Impressively, the Bhut Jolokia Scoville rating can reach up to 1,041,427 SHU. Yup, you read it right. That’s more than a MILLION SHU. To really prove how spicy that is, look how ghost pepper’s Scoville rating measures up against other peppers and sauces. First off, we’ve got jalapeño peppers with a rating of 2,500 to 8,000 SHU. Next, we have Tabasco sauce at 30,000 to 80,000 SHU and habanero peppers at 100,000 to 350,000 SHU. This means that ghost pepper is approximately 200 times hotter than a jalapeño, 20 times hotter than Tabasco sauce, and 5-6 times as hot as a habanero. Of course, the Scoville rating of ghost peppers can slightly vary from one fruit and sauce to another. This is because various factors contribute to the final spiciness, like seed lineage, soil type, humidity levels, ripeness, etc. So, ghost peppers can have a Scoville rating ranging from 855,000 to 1,041,427 SHU.

Proof of Ghost Pepper Spiciness

As you can probably imagine, ghost pepper sauce is not for the weak of heart. In fact, if you’re the type of person who coughs and sputters with a dash of Tabasco sauce, then it’s better you steer clear of anything ghost pepper. Truly, ghost pepper sauce is for the true spice badasses. In fact, in 2007, Guinness World Records declared that ghost peppers were the spiciest pepper in the world. They’re so hot that residents of Northern India use them to ward off elephants by smearing the pepper on fences. Did you know that ghost peppers are also used by the Indian military to make non-lethal smoke bombs?

I mean, hey, the name of this pepper had to come from somewhere, right? To tell the truth, one time, this pepper almost made an actual ghost from a person. This happened when a 47-year-old man bit into a burger covered in ghost pepper puree and subsequently started retching and vomiting until he  burned a hole in his esophagus . Thankfully though, he was promptly treated and lived to tell the tale. However, the 23-day hospital stay and gastric tube he left with probably made a lasting impact on him.

Bhut Jolokia Vs. Naga Jolokia

Okay, so if you’ve been reading up on Bhut Jolokia (ghost pepper) you may have come across the term Naga Jolokia. So, what exactly is Naga Jolokia, and is it any different from Bhut Jolokia?

To cut a long story short, Naga Jolokia is just another name for our precious ghost pepper.

Bhut Jolokia is cultivated in Bangladesh as well as Northeastern India states, such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur. Now, each of these places has its own language, and therefore, the nomenclature of ghost pepper greatly varies. Fortunately, though, the various ghost pepper names aren’t really all that hard to follow. The name Naga Jolokia is after the ferocious warrior tribe of Nagaland. Meanwhile, the people of Assam call ghost pepper Bih Jolokia, aka poison chili, or Bhut Jolokia. Did you know that many people mistakenly think that the translation of Bhut Jolokia is ghost pepper? Yeah, the Jolokia part meaning pepper is correct. However, Bhut doesn’t actually mean ghost. The Bhut here means Bhutanese, as in arising from the Bhutan area. However, since the Assamese word for ghost and Bhutanese sound very similar, it was mistranslated. That’s how “ghost pepper” came to be. It’s worth mentioning that ghost pepper has many other names such as Naga Morich in Bangladesh, Umorok in Manipur, Saga Jolokia, Tezpur chili, Indian Mystery Chili, King Chili, and King Cobra Chili, to name a few.

Are Ghost Peppers the Hottest Chili Peppers Ever?

While ghost peppers were certified to be the spiciest chili peppers in 2007, that is no longer the case. It lost its throne in 2011 when it was superseded by the Infinity Chili. Following this, several other peppers have appeared to claim their place on the throne, including the Naga Viper, Trinidad Scorpion Butch T, Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, Carolina Reaper, and Dragon’s Breath Chili. Just for comparison’s sake, Carolina Reaper, the current record-holder of the hottest chili pepper, has a rating of 2.2 million SHU. This is more than double the ghost pepper Scoville rating of 1 million SHU. So just imagine how painfully hot that is. Honestly, it’s unfathomable how some people can have chili-pepper eating contests using this devilish fruit. Nevertheless, ghost peppers aren’t to be taken lightly just because Carolina Reapers are off-the-charts hot. They’re still in a league of their own, and your tongue will let you know just how spicy they are.

Ghost Peppers for Health

As scary as we made ghost peppers out, did you know that they are actually great for your health?

Yup, that’s right. Ordinarily, ghost peppers don’t make holes in people’s throats. Sure, it’s spicy, but it’s not to the degree where they can hurt you in moderate amounts. If you’re physically healthy, not only will you enjoy the deliciousness of ghost pepper, but you’ll also greatly benefit from it. So, what makes ghost peppers and their derivatives great for your health? Let’s have a look, shall we?

SEE ALSO: Is Hot Sauce Healthy?

Why Are Ghost Peppers Good for You?

First off, ghost peppers have several vitamins and minerals that are instrumental to your health. For example, they contain vitamin C, which has various functions in the human body. For one, it plays a role in immunity and wound repair. Moreover, it’s essential for the formation and maintenance of your skin, tendons, and ligaments. Ghost peppers also contain a multitude of minerals like iron, zinc, phosphorus, and so much more. However, the major reason why ghost peppers are good for you and your health is their capsaicin content. That’s right. The thing that causes you pain is the thing that brings you the most benefit. Believe it or not, capsaicin is an anti-inflammatory and is great for relieving pain. That’s why it’s used occasionally as a component in topical analgesic creams and lotion. Additionally, capsaicin has proven to have anti-cancer properties. Not only can it reduce the chance of  breast cancer metastasis , but it can also adhere to  prostate cancer cells and induce their death.

Impressively, capsaicin can also lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels. So when you combine this with the fact that it can raise your metabolism and improve your mood, it explains why many people who are looking to lose weight are encouraged to eat spicy food, provided they can endure the heat. On the whole, ghost pepper and ghost pepper sauces are beneficial for your body and your health when used in adequate quantities (as you know even medicine can be poisonous if overdosed). So, try to include some form of ghost peppers in your everyday foods, and your body will greatly thank you for it.

What Will You Experience When You Eat Ghost Pepper?

Here’s a quick rundown about what your body goes through when you take a bite of ghost pepper: First off, your tongue and other parts of your mouth will start feeling like a house set on fire. That’s because capsaicin binds to the heat and pain receptors of your mouth. This then tells your brain that something damaging is going on. However, despite any pain, you may be feeling at this point, it’s important you know that no actual damage occurs.

Your body will start trying to contain the situation going on in your mouth by trying to cool itself down. Accordingly, you’ll start sweating and panting, and the blood will rush to your face.

You’ll also start tearing up and drooling, in addition to getting an extremely embarrassing runny nose. This happens in order to flush out the capsaicin offenders as fast as possible. You may also get a case of hiccups, but it won’t last for long.

Occasionally, when a chili pepper is hot enough, some people can get diarrhea as a side effect. This occurs as a result of capsaicin pulling lots of water into the intestines. Still, the bout isn’t too awful, so don’t worry too much about it. Finally, when the peppers are ready to come out the other end, you may experience a slight burning sensation. Just keep in mind that this burning will be much worse if you’ve got hemorrhoids or a similar anal ailment. So, stave off the ghost pepper sauce until you’re feeling better.

SEE ALSO:  Can Ghost Pepper Hurt You?

Why Are Ghost Peppers So Hot? Bhut Jolokia has about 3-5% more capsaicin than other chili peppers. While that may not seem like a lot, it actually packs quite a heavy punch. That’s why we greatly recommend you go easy on your ghost pepper portions if you can’t handle your spices. Who Should Avoid Eating Ghost Pepper Sauce? Avoid eating ghost peppers if you’re allergic to them or if you’ve got a gastrointestinal problem. So, for example, if you have IBS or a stomach ulcer, you should lay off eating anything spicy. That’s because your symptoms will greatly worsen, though the state of your disease won’t actually change. What Should You Do if Ghost Pepper Sauce Gets too Hot for You? If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed when eating ghost peppers or ghost peppers sauce, the first thing you should do is reach out for dairy products, be it a cup of milk or a spoonful of ice cream. If you’re out of dairy products, then chew on some bread, and you’ll have some momentary relief. Can You Drink Water to Decrease the Burning Sensation? Well, you can, but we don’t recommend it at all. Water won’t reduce the burning sensation. Rather, it can make it worse by spreading the irritating capsaicin molecules all over your mouth. So it’s best you stick with fat-containing substances such as peanut butter or milk to soothe the burning. How Long Does the Burning Sensation Last? On average, it takes about 20-30 minutes for your tongue to return to normal. The burning increase in the first 10-15 minutes, but the heat will gradually ebb away as the capsaicin becomes neutralized and dislodged from your tongue’s pain receptors.

Final Thoughts

Ghost pepper sauce is ridiculously hot due to the significant amount of capsaicin it contains. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not palatable. People may use ghost peppers to ward off elephants, but they also add flavor to any dish. Moreover, they can drastically improve your mood and have numerous health benefits. So, if you’ve got a good spice tolerance and you’d like to challenge your limits, then make sure to get yourself a bottle of our very own African Ghost Pepper Sauce . Not only will it knock your socks off, but it’ll have you coming back for more due to its tastiness. And if you’re not sure how to pair your food with ghost pepper sauce, you can always look for inspiration right here .

Salts & Seasonings

Variety gift packs, recent searches, shopping cart.

Your cart is currently empty

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $35 (Excludes Cheese and Seed Starting Supplies)

• 1.888.660.2276

Item added to your cart

Hot pepper heat scale and the scoville scale.

Do you know how hot an Aji Amarillo or Chile de Arbol is? Or how scorching a Ghost Pepper or Carolina Reaper is? Do you know how spicy the peppers you are growing are, or why some peppers have sweet flavors but with some spice in it? This is where the Scoville Scale comes into play. Read to learn more about the hottest peppers in the world and their rankings, and how the Scoville Scale was created to determine a pepper ranking.

What is the World’s Hottest Pepper?

So, what is the hottest pepper on Earth? We’re answering all of your fiery questions by providing our list of peppers ranked by type and Scoville Heat Units. From the innocently mild to the screaming hot, check out the Scoville Heat Unit Scale and learn the heat intensity between hot pepper varieties and extracts:

Pepper Joe’s Pepper Heat Table:

With over 50,000 pepper varieties in the world and new varieties being created every year, it can be overwhelming to keep up with the heat levels of peppers. Even we have to double check hot pepper ratings because we are adding new seeds to our store every year, or a new hot pepper is added to the top 10 hottest peppers of the year.

Growers are producing the hottest hybrids every year with hopes of pushing the Scoville Scale. While the Carolina Reaper is currently known as the hottest pepper in the world, there are some serious competition with rumors of even hotter peppers such as the Dragon’s Breath and Pepper X . There is no confirmation that these peppers are hotter than the Carolina Reaper, but this just means we’ll have to wait for more official announcements!

List of Peppers from Mildest to Hottest as Measured on the Scoville Heat Scale

What is the Scoville Scale?

We get questions about what the Scoville Scale is, and you may know it as the Chili Heat Scale or the Chile Scoville Scale. The Scoville Scale is a measurement of the heat and pungency of chili peppers where each pepper is recorded in Scoville Heat Units (or famously known as SHUs). The scale is named after its creator, Wilbur Scoville, who created the Scoville Organoleptic Test in 1912.

What Does the Scoville Scale Measure?

It’s quite simple. Scoville heat units are a measurement of sugar and water. The test measures chili heat by figuring out how much sugar-water needs to be diluted into a chili pepper to get to where you no longer feel the heat at all. The creator, W. Scoville, would dilute the solutions bit by it until the taste testers felt no more burn, and then he would assign a number to the chile pepper based on the amount of dilutions needed to kill the heat.

What creates that burning sensation on our tongues and makes us sweat is the capsaicin. It’s the chemical compound found in peppers, and you can find it in the oil residing in the pepper or seeds. Today, we’re not using taste testers (which would be a pretty sweet job). It’s been replaced by the High Performance Liquid Chromatography, HPLC, which efficiently measures the pepper’s heat by determining the exact concentration of capsaicin.

From Mild to Incredibly Hot

You should know that heat scales are purely subjective. Even with a scientific test using Scoville Heat Units, the hotness of peppers can vary in the same variety from plant to plant, and even on the same plant! That’s why you may see a range of hotness for a specific pepper or a possibility that the chili could be hotter than what it claims. If you’re feeling brave to try a super-hot pepper, check out the most scorching, blazing, ear-vibrating hottest pepper seeds . If you prefer to take a walk to the mild side instead, we have the juiciest, yummiest, sweetest pepper seeds great for a variety of culinary uses.

Hot peppers are a lot of fun, this is why we love what we do. But, please take them seriously and handle with care. If you don’t believe how ridiculously spicy some of the hottest peppers in the world are, watch our team eat a Ghost Pepper:

Want more heat information on peppers?

• How to Grow Peppers for the Best Results
• How Hot is the Carolina Reaper?
• The Top 10 Hottest Peppers in 2020

Want to expand your growing list?

• Carolina Reaper Pepper Seeds
• 7 Pot Pepper Seeds
• Ghost Pepper Seeds

Habanero Pepper Seeds

• Jalapeño Pepper Seeds
• Sweet and Bell Pepper Seeds

Featured collection

Carolina reaper pepper seeds | hp22b, ghost pepper seeds - bhut jolokia pepper seeds, carolina reaper pepper plant seedlings, pepper joe's jalapeno pepper seeds, chocolate habanero pepper seeds, carolina reaper summer sausage, pepper joe's giant jalapeno pepper seeds, ancho poblano pepper seeds, moruga trinidad scorpion pepper seeds, spice up your inbox.

Sign up for hot deals, growing tips, and more!

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

Your wishlist

• Move to cart

Add to wishlist

Choose your wishlist to be added

• Create New wishlist

Share List Via Email

Share my wishlist, subscribe and get alerts about your wishlist.

We will notify you on events like Low stock, Restock, Price drop or general reminders so that you don’t miss the deal

See Product Details

Are you sure you want to delete this wishlist?

Are you sure you want to delete selected wishlist products, out of stock products will be not move. are you want to move selected wishlist products, wishlist management page.

• This page allows you to manage and add wishlist items directly to the cart.
• Share your public wishlist on social media, through links, and via custom email.
• You can subscribe to get update about your wishlist items

You have been unsubscribed

You will no longer receive emails about wishlist activities from this store..