The Hottest Pepper in the World: An Overview
One of the most exciting aspects of eating peppers is the intense heat and the sensation that comes along with it. But have you ever wondered what type of pepper can bring the most heat to your plate? Let’s take a look at the contenders for hottest pepper in the world!
The Battle for the Title
In recent years, the title of hottest pepper in the world has been hotly-contested, with different varieties of pepper vying for the bragging rights. As of 2021, it appears that the Carolina Reaper has held the title since 2013. Created by Ed Currie and the PuckerButt Pepper Company, the Carolina Reaper has an average heat of 1,569,300 Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). It’s not just incredibly hot – it’s also incredibly flavorful, with a sweet, fruity flavor and hints of chocolate.
The Carolina Reaper isn’t the only pepper vying for the title, however. The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers have a scorching heat of 2,009,231 SHU, while the ‘Dragon’s Breath’ chili pepper has an incredible heat of 2,480,000 SHU. The Dragon’s Breath pepper is the hottest pepper ever grown in the United Kingdom.
How Can You Handle the Heat?
One of the things that makes these peppers so unique is that they all can provide a unique and unique flavor experience. However, even experienced chili heads can find it difficult to handle the heat of some of these peppers! If you’re new to eating hot peppers, it may be best to start gradually and work your way up to the hottest peppers. Eating just a sliver can give you an idea of how hot the pepper is, and then you can adjust your portion size accordingly.
Alternatively, you can also find ways to lessen the heat of some of these peppers. Adding sour cream, yogurt, full-fat milk, or dairy-based cheese to a meal can help to mellow the heat of some of the world’s hottest peppers. You can also lessen the heat of peppers by combining them with other, sweeter ingredients. Apples, carrots, and potatoes can all work to tone down the intensity of a pepper and make it more palatable.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the world’s hottest pepper will continue to be a hotly-contested topic – and one that will likely keep changing as more and more varieties are created. While some peppers may have higher heat levels than others, it’s important to remember that all peppers can bring unique flavors and sensations to the table. If you’re looking to add a little extra heat to your meals, keep an eye out for some of these incredible varieties and try your hand at handling the heat!