Carolina Reapers: Heat, History, & More!

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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. Learn more

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.

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How hot are Carolina Reapers?

Cream Section Separator 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. Learn more

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.

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Carolina Reapers vs. Ghost Peppers

Cream Section Separator The hottest Carolina Reaper is more than twice as hot as the hottest Ghost Pepper! Learn more

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

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Where to get Carolina Reapers

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

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