Pepper X Becomes World’s Hottest, Topples Carolina Reaper’s Reign

“Pepper X,” a new variety of pepper that is hotter than bear spray, has dethroned the Carolina Reaper as the world’s hottest pepper, according to Guinness World Records. The heat of a pepper is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), which represent the amount of capsaicin the pepper contains. Pepper X boasts an average of nearly 2.7 million SHU, surpassing the Carolina Reaper’s average of 1.64 million SHU. In comparison, pepper spray has an average of 1.6 million SHU, and bear spray has an average of 2.2 million SHU. Both Pepper X and the Carolina Reaper were bred by Ed Currie, founder of the PuckerButt Pepper Company. Currie spent 10 years cross-breeding peppers to create Pepper X after previously breaking the heat record with the Carolina Reaper. Guinness confirmed the new record on October 9.

The unique feature of Pepper X is the amount of ridges and curves, which provides more space for the capsaicin-containing tissue inside the pepper. Mr. Currie described the burn of Pepper X as intense, affecting various body parts. However, he believes there is still potential for even hotter peppers to be created in the future.