Bhut jolokia

Bhut Jolokia (also known as Ghost Pepper) is a chili pepper that originates from the Indian states of Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. It is recognized as one of the spiciest chili peppers in the world.

History

The Bhut Jolokia was first recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2007 as the world's hottest chili pepper, a title it held until 2010. The name "Bhut Jolokia" comes from the Assamese words "Bhut" (meaning ghost) and "Jolokia" (meaning chili pepper).

Characteristics

The Bhut Jolokia is a naturally grown pepper that can reach up to 3.1 inches in length. The color varies from red, yellow, orange, or chocolate. It is known for its unique, smoky flavor, aside from its extreme heat. The heat is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), and the Bhut Jolokia can reach over 1,000,000 SHU.

Cultivation

Bhut Jolokia is cultivated in the northeastern states of India and is also found in rural parts of Sri Lanka. It grows in a variety of soils, from sandy to clay, and in a wide range of temperatures.

Uses

Bhut Jolokia is used in both fresh and dried forms, and is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine, especially in northeastern India. It is also used in making hot sauces and other spicy foods. In addition to culinary uses, Bhut Jolokia is also used in non-lethal pepper spray and smoke bombs for crowd control.

Health Effects

While the Bhut Jolokia is safe to eat in small amounts, consuming large quantities can cause severe discomfort, including burning sensations in the mouth and stomach, sweating, and nausea. It is recommended to handle Bhut Jolokia with gloves and avoid touching the eyes or other sensitive areas after handling.

See Also

• Scoville scale
• Capsicum
• Indian cuisine