7 Pot Primo Pepper: A Spicy Controversy

If you’re a fan of spicy food, you’ve probably heard of the 7 Pot Primo pepper. This super hot pepper is a cross between a Naga Morich and a Trinidad 7 Pot pepper, created by horticulturist Troy Primeaux, also known as Primo.

In this blog post, we will explore the important characteristics of this pepper, its Scoville rating, and what it tastes like — plus, we’ll throw in a little drama!

What is the 7 Pot Primo pepper?

The 7 Pot Primo pepper was developed by Troy Primeaux, a horticulturist from Louisiana. He developed the ultra-hot cross between a Naga Morich and Trinidad 7 Pot all the way back in 2005. This pepper has a scorpion-like tail, and its skin has the same super-bumpy appearance as other superhot chili peppers. The pods normally mature to a vibrant red color, although orange and yellow varieties also exist.

Common characteristics

Aesthetically, the 7 Pot Primo has wrinkled skin with a deep red color that gives it a fiery appearance. Its shape is somewhat elongated, with a pointed tip and a slightly curved stem. It is visually striking but suspiciously similar to the world-famous Carolina reaper pepper… but more on that later…

7 Pot Primo Scoville rating (How hot are they?)

1,473,480 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)

This pepper is considered a “superhot chili pepper,” measuring in at 1,473,480 SHU. This means it is nearly 300 times hotter than the average jalapeño pepper, which averages around 5,000 SHU. The 7 Pot Primo pepper still falls short of the Carolina reaper, which reaches up to 2.2 Million SHU.

Simply put, the 7 Pot Primo is one of the hottest peppers in the world, with a Scoville rating inching up close to 1.5 million.

An interesting thing to note about the heat of the 7 Pot Primo is that researchers have found it to have less of an antimicrobial effect than the Habanero Orange Blob. This is notable because it is 10x spicier, meaning that the concentration of capsaicin is much higher (Omolo et. al., 2018).

Carolina reaper vs. 7 Pot Primo controversy

Here’s where it gets good! There is some controversy surrounding the 7 Pot Primo pepper because it is so similar in appearance and heat to the Carolina reaper, which was developed seven years later in 2012.

Some people think that this may not be a coincidence, including Troy Primeaux himself. He’s gone on the record hinting that he believes the two varieties come from the same peppers and even says on his website that the 7 Pot Primo is “arguably (and controversially) the hottest pepper in the world.”

What do they taste like?

Initially, when you try this pepper, you’ll be overwhelmed by its extreme heat. However, if you can get past the intense heat, you’ll notice that it is fruity and even floral. Super-hot pepper lovers will find the flavor profile of this pepper to be quite enjoyable. The heat is intense, but if you can handle it, the flavor is worth experiencing.

Common uses for 7 Pot Primo peppers

The 7 Pot Primo pepper is known for its intense heat level, but it also has a fruity taste and floral scent. Because of its outrageous heat, for which you would have to take extreme precautionary measures, it’s not commonly used in everyday cooking. However, it is a popular choice for hot sauce and chili recipes. It can also be used to add heat to soups, stews, and marinades.

How to try 7 Pot Primo peppers

7 Pot Primo peppers are not a variety you’ll find in your local supermarket. You may be able to find them at specialty sellers at your local farmer’s market, or else you may just have to grow them on your own!

If you are interested in trying the 7 Pot Primo pepper, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to handle the pepper with care. Wear gloves when handling it, and avoid touching your face or eyes. Start with a small amount to see how your body reacts to the heat, and be prepared for intense burning sensations.