Carolina Reaper

The Carolina Reaper is a cultivar of the Capsicum chinense plant. Developed by South Carolina breeder Ed Currie, the pepper is red and gnarled, with a bumpy texture and small pointed tail.

Extreme spiciness

The Carolina Reaper is a cultivar of the Capsicum chinense plant, which is known for its extreme spiciness. It was developed by a man named Ed Currie in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and was named the world's hottest pepper by the Guinness World Records in 2013, surpassing the previous record holder, the Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper. The pepper's name is derived from its place of origin (the Carolinas) and its appearance, which is said to resemble the scythe of the Grim Reaper.

Physical Characteristics

The Carolina Reaper is a small, red pepper that typically measures between 1.5 and 2 inches long. It has a distinctive shape, with a pointed tip and a wrinkled, bumpy surface. The pepper's heat level is measured on the Scoville scale, which rates the spiciness of peppers based on their concentration of capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat. The Carolina Reaper has an average Scoville rating of 1.6 million, making it significantly hotter than other hot peppers like the habanero and the ghost pepper.

30-day-old Carolina Reaper plant

Mature plant

Culinary Uses

The Carolina Reaper is primarily used as a novelty item or a challenge for people who enjoy spicy food. It is not commonly used in cooking due to its extreme spiciness. However, some people do use small amounts of the pepper in dishes like chili or hot sauce to add heat and flavor.

Health Effects

Consuming the Carolina Reaper can have a number of health effects, both positive and negative. On the positive side, the capsaicin in the pepper has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Additionally, some studies have suggested that consuming spicy foods like the Carolina Reaper may help to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.

On the negative side, consuming the Carolina Reaper can cause a number of unpleasant side effects, including burning sensations in the mouth and throat, sweating, and gastrointestinal discomfort. In rare cases, consuming extremely large amounts of the pepper can lead to more serious health effects like vomiting and seizures.

The Carolina Reaper is one of the hottest peppers in the world, known for its extreme spiciness and distinctive shape. While it is not commonly used in cooking, it is often used as a novelty item or a challenge for people who enjoy spicy food. While consuming the pepper in small amounts may have some health benefits, it can also cause a number of unpleasant side effects when consumed in large amounts.

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