Hot chili peppers are a staple in many cuisines, known for their ability to add varying levels of heat and flavor to dishes. The Scoville scale measures the spiciness of peppers, with higher ratings indicating more intense heat. This guide provides an overview of some of my favorite hot chili peppers, their Scoville ratings, and their culinary uses.
Keep in mind, there are hundreds of varieties of hot peppers, so this is just a taste!
Serrano Pepper
Scoville Rating: 10,000 – 23,000 SHU
The Serrano pepper originates from Mexico’s mountainous regions. It is a small, tapered pepper with a bright and biting heat that is hotter than the jalapeño. Serrano peppers are commonly used in Latin and Asian cuisines, particularly in fresh preparations such as ceviche, salsas, and slaws.
Cayenne Pepper
Scoville Rating: 30,000 – 50,000 SHU
The cayenne pepper is long, slender, and bright red. It is widely used in both fresh and dried forms, with dried cayenne being a common ingredient in ground spice blends. Fresh cayenne peppers are used to add a fiery kick to soups, meats, and even desserts.
Tabasco Pepper
Scoville Rating: 30,000 – 60,000 SHU
Best known as the key ingredient in Tabasco sauce, the Tabasco pepper is bright red and softly tapered. It is used in dishes like Nashville-style hot chicken and Bloody Marys, where its heat is moderated by vinegar and salt.
Habanero Pepper
Scoville Rating: 100,000 – 350,000 SHU
The habanero pepper is small and bulbous, typically found in red, orange, or yellow varieties. It originates from the Yucatán Peninsula and the Caribbean and is known for its intense heat and fruity flavor. Habanero peppers are often used in salsas, purées, and hot sauces.
Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
Scoville Rating: 800,000 – 1,041,427 SHU
The Ghost Pepper, also known as Naga Jolokia, was once the world’s hottest chili pepper. Originating from Northeast India, this wrinkled, pointed pepper is extremely hot and should be handled with caution. It is approximately 100 times hotter than a jalapeño.
7 Pot Pepper
Scoville Rating: 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 SHU
The 7 Pot Pepper, including the 7 Pot Chocolate variety, comes from Trinidad and Tobago. It is recognized by its chocolate brown color and sweet, fruity flavor. The name “7 Pot” refers to its reputed ability to heat seven pots of stew.
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion
Scoville Rating: 1,200,000 – 2,000,000 SHU
This pepper hails from Trinidad and was previously recognized as the world’s hottest chili. It is known for its intense heat and distinctive scorpion-like shape.
Carolina Reaper
Scoville Rating: 1,569,383 – 2,200,000 SHU
Developed by Ed Currie, the Carolina Reaper held the title of the world’s hottest pepper for a decade. It is known for its extreme heat and is used primarily in hot sauces and pepper-eating contests.
Pepper X
Scoville Rating: 2,693,000 SHU
Pepper X, also developed by Ed Currie, currently holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s hottest pepper. It surpasses the Carolina Reaper in heat and is noted for its intensity, making it suitable only for the most experienced spice enthusiasts.
Dragon’s Breath
Scoville Rating: 2,480,000 SHU (unverified)
Though its Scoville rating is unverified, Dragon’s Breath is believed to exceed the Carolina Reaper in heat. Developed through a collaboration in the UK, this pepper is used primarily for novelty due to its extreme spiciness.
Komodo Dragon
Scoville Rating: 1,400,000 SHU
The Komodo Dragon pepper, a newer superhot variety, is cultivated in the UK. It is a powerful pepper that poses a challenge even to seasoned spice lovers.
Naga Viper
Scoville Rating: 1,382,118 SHU
The Naga Viper was briefly recognized as the world’s hottest pepper in 2011. Created by Gerald Fowler in England, it is known for its intense heat and unique flavor, appealing to those who seek high levels of spiciness.
7 Pot Brain Strain
Scoville Rating: 1,000,000 – 1,350,000 SHU
The 7 Pot Brain Strain is a selectively bred variety with a lumpy texture that resembles a brain. It is among the hottest in the red 7 Pot family and is highly productive.
7 Pot Barrackpore
Scoville Rating: 1,000,000 – 1,300,000 SHU
From Trinidad’s Barrackpore region, this pepper belongs to the 7 Pot family. It has an elongated pod that sometimes resembles the Ghost Pepper and is known for its fiery heat.
7 Pot Jonah
Scoville Rating: 800,000 – 1,200,000 SHU
The 7 Pot Jonah produces larger and rounder pods than other 7 Pot varieties. While still extremely hot, it has a slightly fruitier flavor profile.
Bedfordshire Super Naga
Scoville Rating: 900,000 – 1,120,000 SHU
Released by Salvatore Genovese, the Bedfordshire Super Naga was the UK’s hottest commercially grown chili pepper in 2012. It is noted for its intense heat and unique flavor, making it popular among chili enthusiasts.
Understanding the Scoville scale is essential for anyone exploring the world of hot chili peppers. These peppers, with their varying levels of heat, can add unique flavors and intensities to a wide range of dishes. Whether used fresh, dried, or in sauces, hot peppers play a significant role in global cuisines.
