Red Section Separator

Spicy exchange / 2023

Carolina Reapers: Heat, History, & More!

Cream Section Separator

What is a Carolina Reaper?

The Carolina Reaper, a cultivar of the Capsicum chinense plant, was developed by a man named Ed Currie. They have small pepper pods with little scorpion-like tails.

Red Section Separator

The Carolina Reaper was bred in a greenhouse in Rock Hill, South Carolina.  In November 2013, the Guinness Book of World Records named it the hottest pepper in the world, beating out the Trinidad Moruga.

History of the Carolina Reaper

Cream Section Separator

How hot are Carolina Reapers?

Carolina Reapers range from around 1,400,000-2,200,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). They can be as hot as or even hotter than standard pepper spray used by police.

Red Section Separator

Despite its extreme heat, the Carolina Reaper is surprisingly sweet and fruity. But the experience of eating this hot pepper has been compared to eating lava.

What do they taste like?

Cream Section Separator

Carolina Reapers vs. Ghost Peppers

The hottest Carolina Reaper is more than twice as hot as the hottest Ghost Pepper!

Red Section Separator

Expect to experience extreme pain and burning in your mouth, watery eyes, sweating, increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing. 

What if you ate one raw?

Cream Section Separator

Where to get Carolina Reapers

You may be able to find reapers at specialized stores and chili farms. You can also find seeds to grow at home on Amazon!

Get the free guide to growing chili peppers

The "green thumb" is a myth — with the right information, anyone can successfully grow peppers. Enjoy this free 34-page guide to help you grow an abundant harvest.

Cream Section Separator