New Hottest Pepper in the World Crowned, But at What Cost?

A new pepper has been crowned the hottest in the world, according to Guinness World Records. Pepper X, developed by Ed Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company, measures in at an average of 2.69 million Scoville heat units (SHU). This makes it three times hotter than the previous record holder, the Carolina Reaper.

Pepper X is a cross between the Carolina Reaper and the Habanero pepper. It is described as having a "fruity and floral" flavor, followed by a "brutal and instant" heat. Currie says that Pepper X is so hot that it should only be handled by experienced chili pepper enthusiasts.

The Guinness World Records title was awarded to Pepper X after it was tested by the Winthrop University Chili Pepper Institute in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The institute tested three samples of Pepper X and found that they all had an average heat of over 2.69 million SHU.

The Scoville scale is a measure of the capsaicin content in chili peppers. Capsaicin is the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. The higher the Scoville heat unit rating, the hotter the pepper.

Pepper X is not the first super-hot pepper to be developed by Currie. In 2013, he developed the Carolina Reaper, which was also crowned the hottest pepper in the world at the time. Currie says that he is always looking for ways to develop new and hotter peppers.

"I'm always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what's possible," Currie said in a statement. "With Pepper X, I think we've created a pepper that is truly unique and special."

Pepper X is not yet available to the public, but Currie says that he plans to release it in the near future. He says that he will also be developing new products using Pepper X, such as hot sauces and salsas.

The development of Pepper X is a reminder of the growing popularity of super-hot peppers. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in chili peppers, and a number of new super-hot peppers have been developed. This trend is likely to continue, as more and more people are looking for ways to add heat to their food.

However, the rise of super-hot peppers comes with some risks. Eating super-hot peppers can cause a number of health problems, including stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, eating super-hot peppers can even lead to hospitalization.

It is important to note that super-hot peppers are not for everyone. If you are new to chili peppers, it is best to start with mild peppers and gradually work your way up to hotter varieties. It is also important to be careful when handling super-hot peppers, as even a small amount of capsaicin can cause skin irritation and eye burns.

The development of Pepper X is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of chili pepper enthusiasts. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with eating super-hot peppers. If you are considering trying Pepper X, or any other super-hot pepper, be sure to do your research and take precautions.

It is also important to consider the ethical implications of developing and consuming super-hot peppers. Some people argue that the development of super-hot peppers is a form of extreme competition that is not necessary or beneficial. Others argue that super-hot peppers are simply a new and exciting culinary experience.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to consume super-hot peppers is a personal one. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and ethical implications involved.