How Many Scoville Units is the Carolina Reaper?
- Mikey V's Team
- Jun 10
- 7 min read
There’s hot, and then there’s Carolina Reaper hot. Known as the world’s spiciest pepper for over a decade, the Carolina Reaper is infamous among chili enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
But just how hot is it, and what makes it so remarkable? We’re taking a closer look at this fiery pepper, comparing it to other contenders, and discussing how you can experience its heat.
Let's find out how many Scoville units the Carolina Reaper has and much more... it's about to get hot!
Key Takeaways |
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The average Scoville Units of the Carolina Reaper pepper is 1.6 million, making it one of the hottest peppers in the world. |
This pepper was created by Ed Currie in South Carolina and was officially recognized as the hottest pepper in the world in 2013 (It no longer holds that record). |
The intense heat and unique flavor profile of the Carolina Reaper have made it popular among hot sauce makers and daring eaters alike. |
When consuming this pepper, it's important to start small and work your way up to avoid any adverse reactions. |
Despite its extreme heat, the Carolina Reaper has sparked innovation in the culinary world and continues to be a sought-after ingredient for those brave enough to handle it. |
How Hot is the Carolina Reaper?
The Carolina Reaper measures an average of 1,641,183 Scoville Heat Units (SHUs), with some peppers reaching an insane 2.2 million SHUs. To put this in perspective, that’s over 200 times hotter than a jalapeño!
The Scoville Scale, which measures spice by determining the concentration of capsaicinoids (the compounds giving peppers their heat), places the Reaper at the extreme end.
Here’s how it stacks up against other popular peppers for reference:
Jalapeño: 2,500–8,000 SHUs
Habanero: 100,000–350,000 SHUs
Ghost Pepper: 855,000–1,041,427 SHUs
Carolina Reaper: 1,641,183–2,200,000+ SHUs
It’s clear that the Carolina Reaper is in a league of its own when it comes to spice!
Is It Still the Hottest Pepper?
The Carolina Reaper has held the coveted Guinness World Record title of the world’s hottest pepper from 2013 to 2023. However, with the creation of Pepper X, it has been dethroned as the hottest pepper in the world. Pepper X, created by Ed Currie, the same man behind the Carolina Reaper, has an average Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) of 2.693 million, making it even hotter than the previous record holder.
In 2023, Pepper X became the hottest pepper in the world, which is officially recognized by Guinness World Records.
What the Carolina Reaper Looks Like & How to Recognize It
When it comes to identifying the Carolina Reaper, there are a few distinct features that can help you differentiate it from other peppers. First of all, the pepper has a bright red color with a rough and bumpy surface. It also has a pointed tail-like tip and is roughly the size of a golf ball.
Moreover, if you look closely at the pepper, you will notice small bumps on its skin that resemble insect bites.
The Carolina Reaper has a pretty distinctive appearance. Always look for:
Shape: Small and gnarled, often with a scythe-like tail, giving it its “Reaper” name.
Color: Bright red, signaling its fiery power.
Texture: Bumpy, almost wrinkled, indicative of its high concentration of capsaicin.
It’s a pepper that commands respect, not just for its heat but for its unique and slightly intimidating look.
The Flavor Profile of Carolina Reapers
Although its heat is what typically stands out, the Carolina Reaper also has a surprisingly complex flavor profile. Many describe its taste as sweet and fruity, with subtle notes that make it ideal for hot sauces and other culinary creations.
This balance of sweetness and heat is part of what makes the Reaper so beloved—even by those who can barely handle its spice! Which is another reason why it's used so often in hot sauces, BBQ sauces, and other spicy snacks.
You'll often find the Carolina Reaper paired:
Garlic: The sharp, savory flavor of garlic complements the heat and sweetness of the Reaper perfectly. Some hot sauce producers add garlic to their Carolina Reaper sauces for an extra kick.
Lime: The tartness of lime helps balance out the intense heat of the Carolina Reaper, making it a popular choice for marinades and dressings.
Chocolate: Yes, you read that right! The rich, creamy taste of chocolate can actually enhance the fruity undertones in the Carolina Reaper. Some people even make spicy chocolate desserts using this fiery pepper!
Fruits: Speaking of fruits, many hot sauce makers also use fruit juices or purees in their Carolina Reaper sauces to further enhance their unique flavor profile.
The Carolina Reaper Challenge
The Carolina Reaper isn’t just a pepper; it’s an experience. Because of the infamous record of this pepper, there are countless Carolina Reaper challenges that have gone viral over the years.
Countless brave souls attempting to eat the world’s hottest pepper (and living to tell the tale). Also inspiring all kinds of different snack foods!
Tips for Handling the Challenge:
If you attempt a Carolina Reaper challenge or plan to eat even just one, we express a lot of caution... this pepper is no joke!
Here are a few tips for anyone thinking about consuming one whole:
Start small. Even a tiny sliver of the Reaper can surprise you.
Have dairy on hand. Capsaicin binds to fat, so milk, yogurt, or ice cream is much more effective than water for soothing the burn.
Pace yourself. This isn’t just heat; it’s heat that lingers.
Wear gloves: The oils from the pepper can stay on your skin and cause irritation, so protect yourself before handling it.
While eating an entire Carolina Reaper isn’t for the faint of heart, tasting smaller amounts through hot sauces or infused products is a less intimidating (but still thrilling) option.
Would You Eat a Carolina Reaper Whole?
Bring it on!
Not a chance!
Carolina Reaper in Products You Can Try
The popularity of Carolina Reaper has led to its integration into a wide range of products. From sauces and condiments to snacks and drinks, there are numerous ways to experience the fiery heat of this pepper without having to consume it whole.
Some popular examples include:
Hot sauce: This is perhaps the most common way people try the Carolina Reaper. Hot sauce made with this pepper, either on its own or in combination with other spicy peppers, can be found in many grocery stores.
Spicy snacks: For those who like heat in their snacks, there are chips, crackers, popcorn, beef jerky, and even chocolate bars infused with Carolina Reaper.
Condiments: Looking to spice up your condiment game? You can find Carolina Reaper ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and even honey to add some kick to your favorite foods.
Powder or flakes: If you want more control over the amount of heat you're adding to your dishes, Carolina Reaper powder or flakes are a great option. Just a sprinkle can add a serious punch of heat.
Here are a few of our favorite Carolina Reaper products we recommend:
Hot Sauces
A perfect blend of heat and savory roasted garlic, ideal for pizza and pasta. It's an explosion of heat and garlicy goodness!
Mikey V’s hottest sauce yet, featuring an 11/10 heat level for true chiliheads. This is not for the faint of heart... but man, is it good!
Spicy pickle lovers will adore the pickle-forward heat of this unique sauce. Perfect for Bloody Marys.
Unique Creations
For the brave, these crunchy pickles turn the spice up a notch with extra Carolina Reapers. If you love pickles and want heat, these are the hottest pickles in the world.
These best-selling fried garlic pieces are the perfect snack for those who crave bold flavor with a spicy kick. Crunchy, flavorful, and infused with Carolina reapers.
BBQ Sauces
An award-winning BBQ sauce that is sweet, tangy, and has a searing heat that’s perfect for ribs or wings.
A bold BBQ sauce to take your backyard cookout to the next level. This is a unique BBQ sauce made with Carolina Reapers that will add a spicy kick to any meal.
FAQ
Q: How hot is the Carolina Reaper pepper?
A: The Carolina Reaper pepper is currently recognized as the hottest pepper in the world, with an average Scoville heat unit (SHU) of 1.64 million.
Q: Is there a pepper hotter than the Carolina Reaper?
Q: What is the top 5 hottest peppers?
Q: When was the Carolina Reaper made?
Final Thoughts on The Carolina Reaper And The Scoville Scale
The Carolina Reaper has certainly made a name for itself in the world of heat enthusiasts. Its record-breaking heat levels have captured the attention of many, and its unique flavor profile adds an extra level of appeal.
But as with any pepper or food item on the Scoville scale, it's important to use caution when consuming them. The Scoville units of the Carolina Reaper are not for the faint of heart, and it's important to start small and work your way up when trying this pepper.
With that said, the Carolina Reaper is a truly remarkable pepper that has sparked innovation in the culinary world. From sauces to challenges, this pepper has left its fiery mark and will continue to do so.
How do you like to enjoy Carolina Reapers?
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