For those who crave intense heat and fiery flavours, the world’s hottest chillies offer a tongue-tingling taste sensation. These peppers aren’t just about searing heat; they come with fascinating histories, unique uses, and passionate breeders who’ve pushed the boundaries of spice. In this article, gardening author and experienced chilli-grower Rob Smith explores five of the hottest chillies on the planet. Get ready to turn up the heat!
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1. Pit Viper Naga
Image: Dobies (©Rob Smith’s Allotment)
- Heat Level: 800,000 – 1,500,000 SHU
- Origin: Bangladesh, bred in Dorset, UK
- Discovery: Originally from Bangladesh, and selected for its heat, flavour and ability to grow in the UK.
- Description: The Pit Viper Naga, known for its incredibly high heat, is a variety of the Naga Morich from Bangladesh. Renamed Pit Viper Dorset Naga for its intense bite, this chilli is renowned for its fiery heat and unique flavour profile, including fruity and citrusy notes.
- Uses: This chilli is perfect for making extremely hot sauces, curries, and chutneys. Its intense heat also makes it ideal for spice blends and adding a kick to any dish.
Disclaimer: Beware the bite of the Pit Viper Naga! This pepper is not for the faint-hearted and may cause you to breathe fire. Handle with extreme caution and have a fire extinguisher nearby!
2. Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
Image: Chilli Pepper ‘Ghost Chilli’ from Dobies
- Heat Level: 855,000 – 1,050,000 SHU
- Origin: India (Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur)
- Discovery: Indigenous to the northeastern regions of India
- Description: Once the world’s hottest chilli, the Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) is native to India. It’s known for its intense heat and slightly sweet, fruity flavour. The pepper is deeply integrated into the culture and cuisine of its native regions.
- Uses: Ghost Peppers are used in traditional Indian dishes, hot sauces, and spicy snacks. They’re also employed in military-grade smoke bombs and pepper sprays due to their extreme heat.
Disclaimer: Enter the ghostly realm of spiciness! This pepper is not for the faint of heart and may cause ghostly apparitions. Keep a gallon of milk handy!
3. The 7 Pot Douglah
Image: marcinm111/Shutterstock
- Heat Level: 923,000 – 1,850,000 SHU
- Origin: Trinidad and Tobago
- Description: The 7 Pot Douglah is named for its reputed ability to spice up seven pots of stew with just one pepper. This dark brown chilli is revered for its intense heat and rich, fruity flavour.
- Uses: Popular in Caribbean cuisine, the 7 Pot Douglah is used in hot sauces, stews, and marinades. Its unique flavour profile makes it a favourite among chilli enthusiasts.
Disclaimer: One pot, two pot, seven pots of fire! This chilli will light up your kitchen and possibly your whole neighbourhood. Proceed with caution!
4. Trinidad Moruga Scorpion
Image: Dobies
- Heat Level: 1,200,000 – 2,000,000 SHU
- Origin: Trinidad and Tobago
- Discovery: Native to the Moruga region of Trinidad
- Description: The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, named for its scorpion-like tail, was discovered in the Moruga region. This pepper is notorious for its slow-building, intense heat that can take you by surprise.
- Uses: This chilli is ideal for making extremely hot sauces and salsas. It’s also used in powdered form to spice up dishes or as a deterrent in garden sprays.
Disclaimer: Beware the sting of the scorpion! This pepper might make you question your life choices. Keep out of reach of anyone who doesn’t appreciate extreme heat.
5. Carolina Reaper
Image: Pepper Chilli ‘Carolina Reaper from Dobies (©Thompson & Morgan)
- Heat Level: 1,400,000 – 2,200,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
- Origin: South Carolina, USA
- Breeder: Ed Currie, The PuckerButt Pepper Company
- Description: The Carolina Reaper holds the Guinness World Record for the hottest chilli pepper. Bred by Ed Currie, this pepper is a cross between a Pakistani Naga and a Red Habanero. It’s known for its wrinkled, red appearance and scorpion-like tail.
- Uses: Carolina Reapers are used sparingly in hot sauces, spice blends, and food challenges. Due to their extreme heat, they’re often used in minuscule amounts to add intense heat to dishes without overpowering the other flavours.
Disclaimer: Handle with care! The Carolina Reaper is known to cause fiery breath, sweating, and a strong desire for a glass of milk. Not recommended for the faint-hearted!
Growing and using the world’s hottest chillies can be exhilarating for those who can handle the heat. Just remember, with great heat comes great responsibility. Always handle these chillies with care. For those who prefer something with more flavour and less heat, see Rob’s suggestions for the best-tasting chillies to grow at home.
Lead image: Dobies
