Meet the Apollo pepper: Is it the new hottest pepper in the world?

The Apollo pepper is one of the newest additions to the world of extremely hot peppers. While information about it is limited, it is important to note that this pepper is incredibly hot, rivaling some of the spiciest peppers known today.

In this guide, we will review what is known about the Apollo pepper, including its origins, heat level, and comparisons to other well-known peppers.

What are Apollo peppers?

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The Apollo pepper was developed by Ed Currie of Puckerbutt Pepper Co., the same company responsible for creating other famously hot peppers like the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X. The Apollo pepper gained attention after being featured in the hot sauce “The Last Dab” during Season 13 of Hot Ones, a popular YouTube show where guests try increasingly spicy hot sauces.

Watch Sean Evans introduce the Last Dab Apollo hot sauce here:

This pepper is a hybrid of two record-breaking peppers: the Carolina Reaper, which held the title for the world’s hottest pepper for years, and Pepper X, the new world’s hottest pepper. However, detailed information about the Apollo pepper’s characteristics remains scarce, as it has not been widely released to the public.

Appearance of the Apollo Pepper

Though exact images of the Apollo pepper are not readily available, it is believed to share physical characteristics with its parent peppers, the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X. The pepper is expected to be about 2.5 to 3 inches in length, with a rough, textured surface typical of the Capsicum chinense species. Like many other extremely hot peppers, it likely starts green and changes to orange as it matures. Peppers in this category often have a round body and a “scorpion” tail, a distinct feature of some of the hottest chili peppers.

Heat Level of the Apollo Pepper

The Apollo pepper is estimated to have a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating between 2,500,000 and 3,000,000 SHU. This puts it in the “ultra-hot” category, making it up to 600 times hotter than a jalapeño. Such heat can cause immediate and intense reactions, and it is important to handle the pepper with care. Even a small amount can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Is the Apollo Pepper the Hottest Pepper in the World?

Although the Apollo pepper is incredibly hot, it has not officially been recognized as the world’s hottest pepper. The Carolina Reaper held the Guinness World Record up until 2023 with a maximum heat level of 2.2 million SHU. It was dethroned by the Pepper X, which ranges from 2,500,000 – 3,180,000 SHU.

Reports suggest the Apollo pepper is a similar heat level if not slightly hotter on average, but without confirmed testing data, the Pepper X retains its title.

Apollo vs. Carolina Reaper

Both the Apollo pepper and the Carolina Reaper come from the same lineage. The Apollo pepper’s heat level starts at 2.5 million SHU, which is higher than the Carolina Reaper’s peak of 2.2 million SHU. However, the Carolina Reaper is the only one with official testing to back its record, leaving the Apollo as a contender but not yet confirmed as the hottest pepper.

Apollo vs. Pepper X

Pepper X is another pepper developed by Ed Currie. It has a maximum heat level of 3.18 million SHU and an average SHU of 2.69 million. Since the title for the world’s hottest pepper is based on the average heat level, the Apollo pepper could potentially exceed Pepper X, but that has yet to be proven.

Apollo vs. Ghost Pepper

The ghost pepper, or Bhut Jolokia, has an average heat level of around 1 million SHU. While the ghost pepper was once considered one of the hottest peppers available, it is significantly milder than the Apollo, which can reach up to 3 million SHU.

Flavor Profile of the Apollo Pepper

In addition to its extreme heat, the Apollo pepper has flavor notes inherited from its parent peppers. The Carolina Reaper contributes sweetness and fruitiness, while Pepper X adds earthy undertones. This combination results in a complex flavor that goes beyond just heat, though the intense spiciness is the dominant characteristic.

Uses for the Apollo Pepper

At this time, the Apollo pepper itself is not widely available, either as whole peppers or seeds. The primary way to experience its heat is through “The Last Dab: Apollo” hot sauce, which is known for its high level of spice. Just a few drops of this sauce can add significant heat to dishes like marinades, soups, or chili.

Where to Buy Apollo Hot Sauce

Apollo hot sauce can be purchased from Heatonist, an online retailer that specializes in hot sauces. It is also available on major platforms like Amazon. If you’re looking to try the intense heat of the Apollo pepper, buying the hot sauce is currently the best option.

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The Apollo pepper is a powerful new entry in the world of ultra-hot peppers. Developed by the team at Puckerbutt Pepper Co., it combines the heat of the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X. While it has not yet claimed the title of the world’s hottest pepper, its potential is clear. For now, those interested in its fiery heat can try it through “The Last Dab: Apollo” hot sauce.