Which is the Hottest Chilli in the World? Check List Here

World's Hottest Chilli: The Carolina Reaper is the hottest chilli pepper in the world, at over 2.2 million SHU (Scoville Heat Units) on the Scoville scale (the measurement used to classify the spiciness or heat of peppers). The pepper is super-hot because it is a hybrid (the scariest hybrid pepper) between Naga Viper and Habanero peppers, and it is grown in the USA. There is much more to explore in the world of chillies hotter than hot! 

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What is the Hottest Chilli in the world? 

The Carolina Reaper chilli, created by Ed Currie in South Carolina, USA, is The world's hottest chilli, with Scoville Heat Units (SHU) up to 2.2 million units, almost 900 times hotter than regular jalapeno. The Carolina Reaper chilli is recognised as the hottest chilli by the Guinness Book of Records, with a stinger tail and its intense heat in flavour with an odd fruitiness countered in flavour. 

The chilli's heat is so profound that after a small bite, physical reactions can include sweating, burning, hiccups, etc. The reaper is used historically in small quantities in very spicy sauces and spice mixes.

How Hot Can Chillies Get?

Chilli peppers are rated by their SHU level. The higher the SHU, the hotter the chilli. Here are the top 7 hottest chillies known to humankind:

Top 7 Hottest Chillies in the World (2023–2024)

Note: These numbers are based on recent data from Guinness World Records, PepperHead.com, and the Scoville Heat Unit scale, as collected during the 2023–2024 chilli season.

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Which Other Countries are Known for Growing Super-Hot Chillies?

The USA and Trinidad aren’t the only countries with super-hot chillies, as other countries such as India, the UK and Bangladesh grow some of the hottest chillies in the world. For instance, India has some of the hottest peppers in its northeast region (Assam and Nagaland) where you can find legendary chillies such as Bhut Jolokia and Naga King Chilli.

With the ideal warm and humid conditions, these countries cultivate super-hot varieties which are often exported around the world for use in hot sauces, spice blends and even military-grade pepper deterrents.

Why Are These Chillies So Hot??

Heat from chillies comes from a compound called capsaicin, which is mainly found in the inner membranes of the chilli pepper. Chillies with higher Scoville Heat Units (SHU) have a higher concentration of capsaicin. Environmental factors can also determine how spicy a chilli will be in the end, such as type of soil, amount of sunlight, and humidity.

In fact, some hybrid chillies, like the Carolina Reaper and 7-Pot Douglah, are bred for their higher concentrations of capsaicin, making them dangerously spicy in small amounts.

What is scoville heat unit or SHU?

Chilli peppers and other spicy foods are measured for pungency or "hot" using Scoville hot Units (SHU). They are determined by the amount of capsaicinoids, especially capsaicin, which is the substance that causes burning. A hotter pepper is indicated by a higher SHU rating.

When are Chillies in Season?

Chilli season is usually determined by regions. For example, in India and the southern USA, chilli plants are often harvested between March and August depending on variety and weather. On average, most super-hot chillies take about 90–120 days to mature from planting until harvest.

Green chillies are usually harvested sooner, while the hotter varieties are generally left to ripen fully on the plant, so those chiles turn colours, such as red, brown, or even black, before being picked. 

Fun Facts About the Hottest Chillies in the World 

Chilli vs Jet Engine? 

The Carolina Reaper has been referred to as molten lava and even as jet engine fuel – one bite of this chilli may cause hiccups, you may start sweating, and you might even start to cry! 

Ghost Pepper, Grenades! 

The Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper) used to be used by the military in India as chilli grenades to control rioters and also drive out enemies hiding in bunkers. 

Chilli High is Real! 

Eating super-hot chillies may induce a chilli high’; your body produces endorphins and dopamine to deal with the pain, sometimes even making a person feel a sense of euphoria as a side effect! 

World Record Heat Challenge

There have been cases of people fainting or vomiting during competitions eating the Carolina Reaper, yet people from all over still try to get in line for their chance at this fiercest challenge. 

Tiny Chillies, Giant Heat

Some really small chillies, like the 7 Pot Primo, are strong enough that the capsaicin burns your skin just touching the inside seeds!

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