South Carolina is number one at still another thing on a long list of accolades. But this one may be the hottest trophy yet! This insanely hot pepper currently holds the Guiness World Record for hottest in the universe.
Dubbed “The Carolina Reaper,” this small delight has been described as molten lava.
Wikipedia/Dale Thurber
The world’s hottest pepper was created right here in Rock Hill, South Carolina by genius, Ed “Smokin’” Currie. Ed owns Puckerbutt Pepper Company in Fort Mill, SC.
Wikipedia/Magnolia677
His secret? He crossbred the former hottest pepper in the world, the Ghost Pepper, shown here…
Flickr/VasenkaPhotography
..with the Red Habanero, shown here.
Flickr/James Poore
The result is the wrinkled, bubbled ball of fire with a pointy little tail shown below. The hottest individual Carolina Reaper ever tested measured 2.2 million SHU (Scoville Heat Units). In comparison, Jalapeno Peppers range anywhere from 2,500 - 10,000 SHU.
Flickr/U.S. Department of Agriculture Would you ever be so bold as to try the hottest pepper in the world?Watch as these two internet sensations each brave the fire….
Admittedly, I love hot food and am curious about the Carolina Reaper. I’m not sure I’m brave enough to eat a whole one, but I’m sure I’ll try cooking with one very soon.
Wikipedia/Dale Thurber
Wikipedia/Magnolia677
Flickr/VasenkaPhotography
Flickr/James Poore
Flickr/U.S. Department of Agriculture
Would you ever be so bold as to try the hottest pepper in the world?Watch as these two internet sensations each brave the fire….
What about you? Will you give it a try? We’d love to know in our comments!
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