Pepper X: Hottest Pepper in the World

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Pepper X was recently awarded as the Hottest Pepper in the World by the Guinness Book of World Records! Surprised? Keep reading!

Pepper X 1
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Pepper X got recently crowned as the spiciest of them all and its rating on the scale of spiciness will surely make you grab that glass of water! Keep reading!

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The Man Behind Pepper X

Jeffrey Collins

Ed Currie, the founder of the PuckerButt Pepper Company and the man behind the Carolina Reaper, has yet another claim to fame—Pepper X. Touted as the world’s hottest pepper, Pepper X has been a sensation in the world of spicy foods and a subject of intrigue for pepper enthusiasts. 

Pepper X was initially announced to the public around 2017. However, the pepper itself was in development for over a decade prior to its announcement. Ed Currie invested significant time in crossbreeding and cultivation to arrive at this potent variety.

According to the Washington Post – on the 16th of October, 2023, Guinness announced that Currie and PuckerButt had topped their own record. Pepper X had officially clocked in with an average of 2.69 million Scoville Heat Units, far spicier than the Carolina Reaper’s 1.64 million.


How Was Pepper X Created?

The creation of Pepper X involved the following key steps:

Crossbreeding

Like many superhot peppers, Pepper X is a hybrid. Ed Currie and his team selected specific parent plants with high capsaicin levels to cross-pollinate.

Controlled Environment

The growing conditions were meticulously controlled to optimize the capsaicin content. This includes factors like soil quality, temperature, and humidity.

Genetic Testing

Throughout the development process, samples were tested to determine their Scoville Heat Units (SHU), which measure spiciness. Pepper X is reported to have an SHU rating of over 3.18 million, dethroning the Carolina Reaper.

Iterative Cultivation

It wasn’t a one-shot deal. Multiple generations of the pepper were grown, each time selecting the spiciest, most robust plants to continue the breeding process.

Verification

Before claiming the title of the world’s hottest pepper, the capsaicin levels and SHU rating of Pepper X need to be verified by third-party experts, as per the Guinness World Records guidelines.


Pepper X Scoville Units: What’s the Heat Level?

The Scoville scale quantifies the spiciness of chili peppers based on capsaicin concentration, the compound responsible for the burning sensation.

Developed by Ed Currie, the founder of PuckerButt Pepper Company in South Carolina, this small, wrinkly yellow-green pepper averages a mind-boggling 2.693 million Scoville Heat Units (SHUs).


Can You Buy Pepper X Seeds? 

Pepper X is a special pepper, and you can’t find its seeds or pods for sale because they’re kept secret. Be careful if you see websites claiming to sell Pepper X seeds – they’re likely scams.

Also, you should know that peppers like this one need a lot of time to be stable before they can be sold by trusted sellers. This process can take many years. So, finding real seeds from a reliable source is hard as it’s a long and complicated process.


Is Pepper X for Sale? 

 Pepper X 3

Pepper enthusiasts will need to satisfy their fiery cravings exclusively through Pepper X hot sauces.

A press release confirmed that both pods and seeds of this pepper won’t be sold for now as it is a proprietary pepper, making it exceptionally rare. This exclusivity adds to the mystique of the world’s hottest pepper, elevating its status among chili aficionados.

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Pepper X vs Carolina Reaper

Compared to its forerunner, the Carolina Reaper, this pepper emphasizes its exceptional spiciness. Pepper X is hotter, boasting an average of 2.693 million SHUs, while the Carolina Reaper remains at 1.64 million SHUs. This significant difference showcases its unparalleled level of heat.


How Hot is Pepper X Compared to Others?

Jeffrey Collins

It is the hottest chili pepper in the world. To put this into perspective, a jalapeño ranges from 2,000 to 8,000 SHUs, and a serrano lands between 10,000 and 23,000 SHUs.

Here is a comparison of its heat level to other chili peppers:

As we can see, Pepper X is significantly hotter than other chili peppers, including the Carolina Reaper, which was the previous record holder.

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Is Pepper X the Hottest Pepper in the World?

Yes, indeed! As of the latest measurements, Pepper X holds the title of the hottest pepper in the world. Its fiery reputation precedes it, earning it a place in the Guinness World Records, making it the next big thing among chili enthusiasts who are constantly seeking the ultimate spicy thrill.


Can Pepper X Kill You?

While this pepper won’t likely prove fatal, it’s not without risks. Consuming extremely spicy foods can lead to severe discomfort, including heartburn and stomach ulcers.

In rare cases, it may trigger anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Individuals with a low tolerance for spice should approach the world’s hottest pepper with caution.

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Conclusion

 Pepper X is like a spicy treasure in the world of peppers! Its super-hot taste, combined with its rareness, makes it a sensation for anyone who loves spicy food. It’s a thrilling experience, but it’s also essential to handle it carefully.

So, if you’re up for a spicy challenge, this is your ticket to a fiery adventure!

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