Spicy Peppers

These peppers tend to be smaller in size with a much higher heat content that is to be approached with caution. Jalapeños are pretty mild as far as spicy peppers go, explore 12 common spicy peppers in order of increasing Scoville Heat Units.

Note: All Scoville heat ratings are an average, but actual SHU levels vary depending on climate and varieties.

Fire

A jalapeno at 5000 SHU isn’t anything compared to a pepper who’s Scoville heat rating is in the millions. These peppers can actually be dangerous if not handled with care, but they are the secret ingredient to many hot sauces and other dishes.

For reference, pure Capsaicin has an SHU of 15 million, and Pepper Sprays used for self defense range from 2 to 5 million. The Carolina Reaper is the official hottest pepper in the world. Although others have surpassed its heat, their stability as a variety is still not there, meaning that from pepper to pepper the level of heat varies too much to be officially hotter.

  • Habanero

    AVG SHU: 225,000

    Although incredibly hot, this pepper has such a lovely tropical twist that makes for delicious salsas. Caribbean Red Habaneros are even hotter with a max SHU of 445,000.

  • Scotch Bonnet

    AVG SHU: 225,000

    Photo — Pepper Scale

  • Ghost Pepper

    AVG SHU: 948,200

    Known as Bhut Jolokia in India and translated to “Ghost” Pepper, this super-hot pepper’s heat sneaks on you, building hotter over a long period of time. Photo — Pepper Scale

  • Trinidad Moruga Scorpion

    AVG SHU: 1,600,000

    Photo — Pepper Scale

  • Carolina Reaper

    AVG SHU: 1,800,000

    How This Guy Made the World's Hottest Peppers | Obsessed | WIRED (YouTube)

    Photo — Pepper Scale

  • Dragon's Breath

    AVG SHU: 2,480,000

    Bred in the UK in attempt to develop peppers that would provide capsaicin used for alternative anesthetics. Not for eating. Photo - Pepper Scale

Pepper recipes