The Carolina Reaper is one of those peppers that conjures up tails of mischance and suffering around the local watering hole. Mention the reaper, and you’ll hear about that time someone’s friend ate one whole and ended up missing work for a week. Or how someone else did a whole spoonful of Reaper hot sauce and couldn’t eat for days.
While some of these stories may enter the realm of urban myth, they’re often not too far from the truth. The Carolina Reaper is hot. Very hot. And it isn’t something to take lightly.
History
The Carolina Reaper pepper is a cultivar of the Capsicum chinense plant, which is native to the Caribbean and parts of South America. It was created by Ed Currie, the founder of PuckerButt Pepper Company, through a process of selective breeding.
In 2013, the pepper was officially recognized as the hottest pepper in the world by the Guinness World Records, with a reported average heat level of 1.569 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). That record still holds at the time of writing, some 10 years later.
The Carolina Reaper pepper's high level of heat is primarily due to its high concentration of capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their spiciness. Capsaicin is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with a higher SHU indicating a greater level of spiciness. For comparison, a jalapeño pepper has an average heat level of 5,000 SHU, while the Carolina Reaper pepper has an average heat level of 1.569 million SHU.
How is the Carolina Reaper Used?
Because of its extreme heat, the Carolina Reaper pepper is typically not used in cooking as a standalone ingredient. Instead, it’s often used in hot sauces or powders, where a small amount can add a significant level of heat.
There has also been a growing use of the Carolina Reaper in spicy snacks such as chips and nuts. These are typically either “I dare you” type of snacks.
In addition to its use as a source of heat, the Carolina Reaper pepper has also been studied for potential health benefits. Capsaicin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, and may also have potential as an aid in weight loss and in the prevention of certain types of cancer.
The Carolina Reaper pepper has also gained a cult following among those who enjoy the experience of consuming extremely hot peppers. Eating contests featuring extremely hot peppers have become popular, with contestants competing to see who can eat the most peppers or endure the highest level of heat.
Overall, the Carolina Reaper pepper is a unique and fascinating cultivar that has gained fame for its extreme level of heat. Its unique appearance, and high concentration of capsaicin have made it a cultural cornerstone of the extreme heat foods and sauces market, as well as a cultural phenomenon.