Two names often surface in the world of super-hot peppers: Carolina Reaper and Ghost Pepper. These chili pepper varieties have named themselves some of the world’s hottest peppers. But how do they compare?
What is a Carolina Reaper?
The Carolina Reaper is currently the Guinness World Record holder as the world’s hottest pepper. Its origin lies in the PuckerButt Pepper Company, where Ed Currie bred this scorching chili. The Carolina Reaper pepper boasts a blistering average of 1.6 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with the hottest Carolina Reaper reaching 2.2 million SHU.
What is a Ghost Pepper?
The Ghost Pepper, also known as Bhut Jolokia or Naga, was the world’s hottest pepper when it was discovered. Native to India, it held the Guinness World Record until 2010. The Ghost Pepper averages 1 million SHU, with the hottest Ghost Pepper going up to 1.1 million SHU.
The Heat: Carolina Reaper vs. Ghost Pepper
The Carolina Reaper is hotter than the Ghost Pepper. According to the Scoville scale, it can be nearly twice as hot! The Carolina Reaper is approximately 880 times hotter if we consider jalapeno pepper as a base. At the same time, the Ghost Pepper is around 416 times hotter.
The Flavor Profile: Fruity Flavor vs Fiery Heat
The Carolina Reaper and Ghost Pepper offer fruity flavors despite the fiery heat. The Carolina Reaper has a sweet, fruity flavor that precedes its extreme heat. On the other hand, the Ghost Pepper is known for its unique smoky flavor underneath the intense spiciness.
Uses: From Hot Sauce to Pepper Spray
Carolina Reaper and Ghost Pepper hot sauces are popular among heat enthusiasts. Both are used in various hot sauce recipes, providing a fiery kick to any dish. More surprisingly, the Ghost Pepper has even found use in pepper spray due to its intense heat.
Growing the Pepper Plants
The Carolina Reaper and Ghost Pepper plants can provide an exciting challenge for chili enthusiasts who enjoy growing peppers. These plants are suited to warm climates and require careful handling due to their extreme heat levels.
Conclusion
In the face-off of Carolina Reaper vs. Ghost Pepper, the Reaper emerges as the hotter of the two. However, the choice between these two fiery contenders goes beyond the SHU rating. One is more appealing, depending on your heat tolerance and flavor preference. Remember, though; these are not peppers to be taken lightly. Always handle with care and respect their intense heat.
