Carolina Reapers: Heat, History, and More

The Carolina Reaper is recognized as one of the hottest peppers in the world, with a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating ranging from 1,400,000 to 2,200,000. This article will provide an in-depth look at the Carolina Reaper, covering its origin, heat level, flavor profile, and practical tips for handling and cooking with this intensely spicy pepper.

Origin of the Carolina Reaper

The Carolina Reaper is a cultivar of the Capsicum chinense species and was developed by Ed Currie, a chili pepper breeder and the owner of the PuckerButt Pepper Company in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Currie’s original goal was to create a sweet pepper with a higher heat level, but the result was a pepper that surpassed expectations in spiciness.

Ed Currie and his team at PuckerButt have also developed other notable hot peppers, including the Pepper X and the Apollo Pepper, both known for their intense heat. The Carolina Reaper gets its name from its distinctive tail, which resembles the stinger of a scorpion.

Common Characteristics

Carolina Reaper peppers are relatively small, with pods measuring between 1 to 2 inches in width and 2 to 3 inches in length. The peppers mature to a bright red color, though newer variations in yellow and brown have also been cultivated. The surface of the pepper is often bumpy, and it features a scorpion-like tail, which is a key identifying characteristic.

History of the pepper

The Carolina Reaper was bred in a greenhouse in Rock Hill, South Carolina, by Ed Currie. In November 2013, it was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the hottest pepper in the world, with an average heat level of 1,641,183 SHU. This title was held until October 2023, when the Pepper X, also developed by Ed Currie, surpassed it.

Despite losing its title as the hottest pepper, the Carolina Reaper remains a popular choice among chili enthusiasts due to its extreme heat and unique flavor profile.

How Hot Are Carolina Reapers?

The Carolina Reaper’s heat is measured on the Scoville Scale, with a rating that ranges from 1,400,000 to 2,200,000 SHU. This variation in heat can be attributed to different growing conditions and individual pepper pods. For context, the hottest Carolina Reaper can be more than 200 times hotter than a jalapeño, making it an intense experience even for seasoned chili pepper fans.

The official average SHU recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records is 1,641,183 SHU, based on tests conducted at Winthrop University in 2017. The hottest individual pepper tested reached 2,200,000 SHU, highlighting the variability in heat that can occur within this pepper variety.

Flavor Profile of Reapers

The Carolina Reaper has a surprisingly sweet and fruity flavor despite its extreme heat. This was an intentional characteristic developed during the breeding process. The combination of sweetness and intense heat makes the Carolina Reaper a popular ingredient in hot sauces, where a fiery burn quickly follows the initial fruity taste.

When eating a Carolina Reaper, the initial taste is often described as fruity, but the heat quickly takes over, creating an intense and prolonged burning sensation.

Cooking with Carolina Reapers

Cooking with Carolina Reapers requires caution due to their extreme spiciness. Here are some key tips:

• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves when handling Carolina Reapers to prevent skin burns. It’s also advisable to wear goggles and a mask to avoid irritation from the pepper’s volatile compounds.
• Remove the Pith and Seeds: The white pith inside the pepper contains the highest concentration of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat. Removing the pith and seeds can reduce the overall spiciness of the pepper, making it more manageable in dishes.
• Start Small: Use small amounts when adding Carolina Reapers to recipes. Even a tiny piece can significantly increase the heat level of a dish. Gradually add more if needed, but always taste as you go to avoid making the dish too spicy.
• Versatile Usage: Carolina Reapers can be used to add heat to soups, stews, and chili. They can also be infused into oils or used to make homemade hot sauces. However, due to their extreme heat, they should be used sparingly.

Carolina Reapers vs. Ghost Peppers

Ghost Peppers, also known as Bhut Jolokia, were once considered the hottest peppers in the world, with a Scoville rating between 855,000 and 1,041,427 SHU. While Ghost Peppers are incredibly hot, the Carolina Reaper is significantly hotter, with the potential to be more than twice as spicy as the hottest Ghost Pepper.

What would happen if you ate a Carolina Reaper raw? Would it kill you?

Eating a Carolina Reaper raw is an intense experience that is not recommended for those unaccustomed to extremely spicy foods. Consuming the pepper can cause severe burning sensations in the mouth, throat, and stomach. Other symptoms may include watery eyes, sweating, an increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Some people have experienced more severe reactions, such as headaches, neck pain, and even the need for emergency medical attention.

Poison Control has some helpful information for preventing and mitigating spicy food incidents when eating hot chilis.

Despite the intense discomfort, eating a Carolina Reaper is unlikely to cause any lasting harm or death. However, it’s crucial to approach this pepper with respect and caution.

Where to Get Carolina Reapers

Finding fresh Carolina Reapers in local grocery stores can be challenging due to their niche market. However, they can be purchased from specialty stores, chili farms, or online vendors. Carolina Reaper seeds, hot sauces, and other products are widely available online, making it easier to grow your own peppers or experiment with Carolina Reaper-based products.

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The Carolina Reaper is a pepper that commands respect due to its extreme heat and unique flavor. Whether you’re interested in growing your own, using them in recipes, or simply learning more about this powerful pepper, understanding the proper handling and usage is essential. The Carolina Reaper remains a favorite among chili enthusiasts, not only for its heat but also for its surprisingly complex flavor profile.