Behind years of determined breeding and meticulous testing of Pepper X lies, above all, the ambition of one relentless grower \u2014 a creator who has already broken multiple records in the world of chili peppers.<\/p>\n\n
Ed Currie and His Vision<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nEd Currie, nicknamed Smokin\u2019 Ed, is the creator of both the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X. At the core of his work is a clear vision: to develop chili varieties where extreme heat and distinctive flavor truly go hand in hand. <\/p>\n\n
Currie\u2019s passion for chili peppers ignited decades ago and evolved into a systematic project aimed at pushing the limits of capsaicin further than ever before. In practice, this meant repeated crossbreeding, disciplined tracking, and an enormous amount of patience \u2014 only the very best plants were allowed to move forward. <\/p>\n\n
Unlike many hobbyists, Currie approaches chili breeding as both a science and a business. Heat levels are carefully documented using the Scoville scale, and the results are verified in laboratories \u2014 so the claims are based on facts, not feelings. As the ultimate result of this approach, Pepper X was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world\u2019s hottest chili in 2023. <\/p>\n\n
Currie\u2019s vision doesn\u2019t stop at record-breaking heat. He also highlights the potential benefits of capsaicin (for example, in topical pain-relief applications) as well as the culinary possibilities of super-hot chilies. When heat is balanced with a carefully considered flavor profile, the result isn\u2019t just a \u201ccapsaicin bomb,\u201d but an interesting, functional ingredient \u2014 especially in sauces, where the heat can be precisely controlled. <\/p>\n\n
Soosikauppa tip:<\/strong> If you want to step into the world of Pepper X without unleashing a full firestorm, start with micro-doses (a dab about the size of a toothpick tip) and pair it with a fat-rich side \u2014 yogurt, mayonnaise, or sour cream work well. The heat stays under control, while the flavor gets its moment to shine. <\/p>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/timothy-l-brock-WJ5mej6mWi4-unsplash-edited-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\nPuckerButt Pepper Company<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nEd Currie founded the PuckerButt Pepper Company in Fort Mill, South Carolina, in 2003. The idea for the one-of-a-kind name came from how his wife described the effect Currie\u2019s sauces had on the people eating them. The company grows, breeds, and sells the world\u2019s hottest chilies \u2014 including the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X \u2014 and has grown into the largest organic chili farm in the United States. <\/p>\n\n
PuckerButt\u2019s range spans everything from fresh peppers to processed products: sauces, selected seeds (depending on the variety), and seasoning blends. That way, the same brand can serve both dedicated chili enthusiasts and professional kitchens. <\/p>\n\n
The company\u2019s reputation is built on authenticity and verified heat. With the entire chain under one roof \u2014 from cultivation to bottling \u2014 quality stays consistent, and the Scoville numbers are more than just guesswork. <\/p>\n\n
Through PuckerButt, Currie has built a platform that accelerates innovation in chili breeding and makes super-hot peppers available to chiliheads around the world.<\/p>\n\n
When Was Pepper X Created? The Journey From Ed Currie\u2019s Vision to a Guinness World Record <\/strong><\/h2>\n\nEd Currie\u2019s goal was to push the limits of heat without sacrificing flavor. This work ultimately led to the Carolina Reaper, which claimed the world record in 2013. After that milestone, Currie continued with selective breeding, refining his work even further. <\/p>\n\n
Through more than a decade of crossbreeding and selection, the Pepper X variety was developed with the goal of eventually surpassing the Reaper in intensity. The pepper was refined through careful crossbreeding and testing before being officially revealed. <\/p>\n\n
In October 2023, Guinness World Records officially confirmed that Pepper X is the world\u2019s hottest chili. Tests showed an average heat level of over 2.6 million SHU, clearly surpassing the Carolina Reaper\u2019s approximately 1.64 million. <\/p>\n\n
Pepper X Chili Timeline:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n- Early 2000s:<\/strong> Ed Currie begins systematic breeding of super-hot chili peppers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2007\u20132008: <\/strong>The development of the Carolina Reaper is well underway, while Pepper X is also being bred in parallel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2013:<\/strong> The Carolina Reaper is named the world\u2019s hottest chili.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- After 2013:<\/strong> Development of Pepper X continues through selective crossbreeding and extensive testing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- October 2023: <\/strong>Guinness World Records tested and officially confirmed Pepper X as the world\u2019s hottest chili (average ~2.69M SHU).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Pepper X was unveiled to the general public in the Hot Ones YouTube series<\/em>, during the final episode of season 23. The episode featured Hot Ones host Sean Evans, with guests Ed Currie and Chili Klaus, the latter known worldwide for his viral chili challenges. <\/p>\n\nPepper X\u2019s Genetic Background and Breeding Process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nThe world\u2019s hottest chili, Pepper X, was created through selective crossbreeding with the goal of combining extreme heat and a clear, recognizable flavor profile. Its genetic background comes from Capsicum chinense peppers<\/em> \u2014 including the Carolina Reaper and other super-hot varieties. From a breeding perspective, the key trait of this species is the structure of the pepper itself, which is particularly well suited to accumulating high concentrations of capsaicin. <\/p>\n\nThe Capsicum chinense <\/em><\/strong>Species<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nPepper X belongs to the Capsicum chinense species <\/em>\u2014 the same family as the Habanero, Bhut Jolokia (ghost pepper), and the Carolina Reaper. This species is characterized by: <\/p>\n\n\n- Extremely high capsaicin content<\/strong> (often hundreds of thousands of SHU and beyond).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fruity, floral, and citrusy aromas<\/strong> that come through before the full burn sets in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Excellent crossbreeding<\/strong> compatibility with other C. chinense<\/em> varieties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Unlike jalape\u00f1o (Capsicum annuum<\/em>), which has a much milder heat level, Capsicum chinense<\/em> serves as the foundation for breeding super-hot chili varieties.<\/p>\n\nThe Role of Carolina Reaper and Other Super-Hot Chilies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nThe Carolina Reaper played a central role as a \u201cparent\u201d in the development of Pepper X \u2014 its strong, stable genetic background and extreme heat made it a natural starting point. Another key \u201cparent\u201d was a super-hot chili that remains undisclosed to this day. In addition, other super-hot chilies contributed: <\/p>\n\n
\n- Multi-layered flavor profiles<\/strong> (fruitiness, floral notes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The pod\u2019s distinctive shape and structure<\/strong> (wrinkled texture).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Efficient capsaicin storage<\/strong> within the fruit itself<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
The goal was simple but demanding: to surpass the Reaper\u2019s heat while still preserving a usable flavor \u2014 especially for applications like sauces.<\/p>\n\n
Crossbreeding Practices<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nCreating Pepper X required years of methodical, carefully planned work:<\/p>\n\n
\n- Hand pollination<\/strong> using selected parent plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Raising and screening offspring: <\/strong>each generation was evaluated for factors such as heat level, flavor, and pod structure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weaker plants were systematically culled<\/strong>; only those where the combination of heat and flavor truly worked were allowed to move forward.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Continuous refinement:<\/strong> the steps above were repeated generation after generation for more than a decade, until the desired traits became stable and consistent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
The result was a variety that delivers extremely high capsaicin levels while maintaining the desired flavor profile.<\/p>\n\n
Pepper X \u2013 Appearance and Structure (and Why It Matters)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/peper-x-5-1024x683.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\nPepper X pods are small, wrinkled, and irregularly shaped<\/strong> \u2014 with deep grooves and folds, relatively thick walls, and a clearly developed white interior tissue. As they ripen, the color shifts from green to yellow and finally to orange. <\/p>\n\n\n- The wrinkles and folds<\/strong> increase the internal surface area where capsaicin concentrates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The thick walls and dense pod structure<\/strong> support both the production and storage of capsaicin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
These traits were deliberately selected to support extreme heat without letting the burn completely overpower the flavor.<\/p>\n\n
Testing and Recognition of Pepper X as the World\u2019s Hottest Chili<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nPepper X made headlines not only for its extreme heat, but also because of its rigorous testing process. Independent laboratories, university research, and Guinness World Records all confirmed its status as the world\u2019s hottest chili. <\/p>\n\n
Chili heat is measured on the Scoville scale (SHU)<\/a><\/strong>, which indicates the amount of capsaicinoids \u2014 the compounds responsible for the burn. In the past, SHU was estimated based on human taste tests, but today the standard method is high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which measures capsaicinoid concentration directly. The advantage is accurate, repeatable results that can be compared reliably across different studies. <\/p>\n\nPepper X\u2019s heat was tested at Winthrop University (South Carolina), which has extensive experience in capsaicin analysis for chili peppers. Using the HPLC method, the lab separated and quantified compounds such as capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, which account for most of the burn. Across multiple samples, the results consistently showed extreme SHU readings. <\/p>\n\n
After the lab results were in, it was time to take them to Guinness World Records. Guinness required independent data, thorough documentation, and verification of the testing protocols. The results were compared against previous records before the title was awarded. In the end, Guinness recognized Pepper X as the world\u2019s hottest chili in October 2023, and it was entered into the Guinness World Records book. <\/p>\n\n
Controversy and Criticism Surrounding Pepper X\u2019s Status as the World\u2019s Hottest Chili<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nWhile Pepper X is widely regarded as the world\u2019s hottest chili, its status has not come without questions from enthusiasts and competitors within the chili community. Does Pepper X\u2019s testing fully meet the community\u2019s expectations when it comes to independent repeatability<\/strong>, transparent reporting<\/strong>, and the long-term consistency of the variety\u2019s heat level<\/strong>? <\/p>\n\nDifficult to independently replicate the results<\/strong>Guinness vs. Scientific Standards<\/strong>Sample size and calculation of average heat<\/strong>Stability of heat levels across generations<\/strong>As long as seeds or pods are not widely available for testing, skepticism among many experts and enthusiasts is understandable. Despite the criticism, Pepper X is widely recognized as the world\u2019s hottest chili. On a practical level, what matters most is that Pepper X is genuinely insanely hot \u2014 and that it works exceptionally well in sauces when used in very small amounts. <\/p>\n\n
How Hot Is Pepper X \u2014 and What Does It Taste Like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n![\"Three](\"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/peper-x-800600-4-2.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\nPepper X has an average Scoville rating of an astonishing 2.693 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This makes it the hottest chili in the world, surpassing the previous record holder, the Carolina Reaper, by more than one million units. <\/p>\n\n
If you want to get a sense of just how big the jump is between the hottest chili you\u2019ve tasted and Pepper X, take a look at the comparison below.<\/p>\n\n
Some chili varieties show SHU variation depending on the batch and even individual peppers. For example, when comparing cayenne to jalape\u00f1o, the range can be 3.75\u00d7 to 25\u00d7, while around 8\u00d7 is a more realistic average \u2014 since only a small number of measurements reach the extreme high end of 25\u00d7. <\/p>\n\n
Comparing Chilies From Mild to Extreme Heat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n- Cayenne: ~8\u00d7 hotter than jalape\u00f1o<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Habanero: ~6\u00d7 hotter than cayenne<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ghost pepper: ~5\u00d7 hotter than habanero<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 7 Pot: ~1.4\u00d7 hotter than ghost pepper<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Scorpion: ~1.1\u00d7 hotter than 7 Pot<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carolina Reaper: ~1.3\u00d7 hotter than Trinidad Scorpion<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Pepper X Compared to Other Chilies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n- Pepper X: ~540\u00d7 hotter than a jalape\u00f1o<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pepper X: ~70\u00d7 hotter than cayenne<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pepper X: ~12\u00d7 hotter than habanero<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pepper X: ~3\u00d7 hotter than Bhut Jolokia (ghost pepper)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pepper X: ~2\u00d7 hotter than 7 Pot<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pepper X: ~2\u00d7 hotter than Trinidad Scorpion<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pepper X: ~1.6\u00d7 hotter than the Carolina Reaper<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
So if you compare Pepper X to the more commonly used Habanero in chili challenges, the difference is, on average, around 12-fold. In other words, when tasting Pepper X, it can be hard to imagine that it even belongs in the same world as a Habanero. <\/p>\n\n
Tasting the World\u2019s Hottest Chili: Capsaicin and the Body\u2019s Reactions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nTypical reactions:<\/p>\n\n
\n- Intense burning in the mouth and throat, heavy sweating, and facial flushing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- An endorphin surge (\u201cchili high\u201d) as the burn begins to subside<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stomach discomfort and gastrointestinal distress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Based on experience, recovering from the afterburn can take hours, which is one of many reasons to use Pepper X only with great caution and control.<\/p>\n\n
Handling Pepper X<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n- Wear gloves.<\/strong> Avoid touching your eyes or face.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wash your hands thoroughly.<\/strong> Capsaicin doesn\u2019t wash off easily with water alone \u2014 fat and soap are far more effective.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Start small:<\/strong> a toothpick-tip-sized amount is enough to season a dish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be prepared for discomfort.<\/strong> Large amounts can cause nausea or stomach pain. This chili is not recommended for those with sensitive stomachs. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Flavor and Aroma<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nAt the very beginning, you may catch earthy, slightly bitter notes and a hint of citrusy brightness \u2014 but the heat quickly overwhelms them. The aroma is sharp and pungent, reflecting the high capsaicin content. In sauces, these nuances come through more clearly when balanced with vinegar, fruit, or mustard. <\/p>\n\n![\"Hands](\"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/peper-x-800600-5-2.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\nHow Pepper X Compares to the Second-Hottest Chili<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nThe Carolina Reaper, also created by Ed Currie, previously held the Guinness world record. Its average heat level is around 1.64 million SHU, with some individual pods measuring over 2.2 million SHU. <\/p>\n\n
Pepper X surpasses the Carolina Reaper\u2019s peak readings by hundreds of thousands of SHU. This difference is significant, because at these heat levels, most people are no longer able to consume the chilies fresh. Where Can You Buy the World\u2019s Hottest Chili?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to buy and taste the world\u2019s hottest chili on its own, you may be a bit disappointed \u2014 Pepper X is not sold fresh. For consumers, the most convenient way to experience the world\u2019s hottest chili is in sauce form. Pepper X can be found especially in the \u201cLast Dab\u201d hot sauces made famous by the Hot Ones series.Hot Ones The Last Dab XXX Hot Sauce 148ml<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n![\"Hot](\"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Hot-Ones-The-Last-Dab-XXX-Hot-Sauce-148ml.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\nHot Ones The Last Dab XXX Hot Sauce 148 ml is a legendary, ultra-hot sauce that delivers an incredible combination of extreme heat and complex flavor. It features a deep, spicy, pepper-forward profile with earthy notes of turmeric and cumin, plus a subtle hint of mustard. Pepper X \u2014 used as chili, powder, and extract \u2014 adds fruity tones, a touch of smokiness, and gentle sweetness that slightly softens the burn on the tongue. This sauce is for you if you want to taste the hottest sauce ever featured on Hot Ones. <\/p>\n\n
Hot Ones The Last Dab Xperience Hot Sauce 148ml<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Hot-Ones-The-Last-Dab-Xperience-Hot-Sauce-148ml.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\nHot Ones The Last Dab Apollo Hot Sauce 148 ml is an extremely hot sauce that delivers a clean, straightforward pepper-forward flavor. Its taste is built on the sweetness of Carolina Reaper and the earthy character of Pepper X, complemented by savory notes, hints of carrot, and subtle nuances reminiscent of vegetable soup. This sauce is for you if you\u2019re looking for a bright, clear flavor experience with an explosive and long-lasting burn. ![\"Hot](\"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Hot-Ones-The-Last-Dab-Apollo-Hot-Sauce-148ml.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\nHot Ones The Last Dab Apollo Hot Sauce 148 ml contains Apollo, a cross between Pepper X and the Carolina Reaper. It delivers an intense burn paired with a clean, pepper-forward flavor. The taste also features fruitiness, a hint of citrus, light sweetness, and a touch of smokiness that slightly softens the deep heat. As one user put it, tasting this sauce felt like licking the sun. <\/p>\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The world\u2019s hottest chili, Pepper X, was not created by accident. This mind-blowing pepper was developed by chili-breeding pioneer Ed Currie, who also created the previous record holder, the Carolina Reaper. So what exactly went into the meticulous process that took more than a decade to complete? In a nutshell, Pepper X was created by […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4209,"featured_media":987525775,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"The World\u2019s Hottest Chili: How Was Pepper X Created? \u2013 Soosikauppa ","_seopress_titles_desc":"Explore the fascinating history of Pepper X. We\u2019ll show you what the world\u2019s hottest chili pepper looks like, how it feels \u2014 and how you can taste it. ","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[883],"tags":[896,900,903],"class_list":["post-987528927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-hot-ones","tag-pepper-x","tag-spicy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/987528927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4209"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=987528927"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/987528927\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":987528941,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/987528927\/revisions\/987528941"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/987525775"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=987528927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=987528927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=987528927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/timothy-l-brock-WJ5mej6mWi4-unsplash-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\nPuckerButt Pepper Company<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nEd Currie founded the PuckerButt Pepper Company in Fort Mill, South Carolina, in 2003. The idea for the one-of-a-kind name came from how his wife described the effect Currie\u2019s sauces had on the people eating them. The company grows, breeds, and sells the world\u2019s hottest chilies \u2014 including the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X \u2014 and has grown into the largest organic chili farm in the United States. <\/p>\n\n
PuckerButt\u2019s range spans everything from fresh peppers to processed products: sauces, selected seeds (depending on the variety), and seasoning blends. That way, the same brand can serve both dedicated chili enthusiasts and professional kitchens. <\/p>\n\n
The company\u2019s reputation is built on authenticity and verified heat. With the entire chain under one roof \u2014 from cultivation to bottling \u2014 quality stays consistent, and the Scoville numbers are more than just guesswork. <\/p>\n\n
Through PuckerButt, Currie has built a platform that accelerates innovation in chili breeding and makes super-hot peppers available to chiliheads around the world.<\/p>\n\n
When Was Pepper X Created? The Journey From Ed Currie\u2019s Vision to a Guinness World Record <\/strong><\/h2>\n\nEd Currie\u2019s goal was to push the limits of heat without sacrificing flavor. This work ultimately led to the Carolina Reaper, which claimed the world record in 2013. After that milestone, Currie continued with selective breeding, refining his work even further. <\/p>\n\n
Through more than a decade of crossbreeding and selection, the Pepper X variety was developed with the goal of eventually surpassing the Reaper in intensity. The pepper was refined through careful crossbreeding and testing before being officially revealed. <\/p>\n\n
In October 2023, Guinness World Records officially confirmed that Pepper X is the world\u2019s hottest chili. Tests showed an average heat level of over 2.6 million SHU, clearly surpassing the Carolina Reaper\u2019s approximately 1.64 million. <\/p>\n\n
Pepper X Chili Timeline:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n- Early 2000s:<\/strong> Ed Currie begins systematic breeding of super-hot chili peppers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2007\u20132008: <\/strong>The development of the Carolina Reaper is well underway, while Pepper X is also being bred in parallel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2013:<\/strong> The Carolina Reaper is named the world\u2019s hottest chili.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- After 2013:<\/strong> Development of Pepper X continues through selective crossbreeding and extensive testing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- October 2023: <\/strong>Guinness World Records tested and officially confirmed Pepper X as the world\u2019s hottest chili (average ~2.69M SHU).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Pepper X was unveiled to the general public in the Hot Ones YouTube series<\/em>, during the final episode of season 23. The episode featured Hot Ones host Sean Evans, with guests Ed Currie and Chili Klaus, the latter known worldwide for his viral chili challenges. <\/p>\n\nPepper X\u2019s Genetic Background and Breeding Process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nThe world\u2019s hottest chili, Pepper X, was created through selective crossbreeding with the goal of combining extreme heat and a clear, recognizable flavor profile. Its genetic background comes from Capsicum chinense peppers<\/em> \u2014 including the Carolina Reaper and other super-hot varieties. From a breeding perspective, the key trait of this species is the structure of the pepper itself, which is particularly well suited to accumulating high concentrations of capsaicin. <\/p>\n\nThe Capsicum chinense <\/em><\/strong>Species<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nPepper X belongs to the Capsicum chinense species <\/em>\u2014 the same family as the Habanero, Bhut Jolokia (ghost pepper), and the Carolina Reaper. This species is characterized by: <\/p>\n\n\n- Extremely high capsaicin content<\/strong> (often hundreds of thousands of SHU and beyond).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fruity, floral, and citrusy aromas<\/strong> that come through before the full burn sets in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Excellent crossbreeding<\/strong> compatibility with other C. chinense<\/em> varieties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Unlike jalape\u00f1o (Capsicum annuum<\/em>), which has a much milder heat level, Capsicum chinense<\/em> serves as the foundation for breeding super-hot chili varieties.<\/p>\n\nThe Role of Carolina Reaper and Other Super-Hot Chilies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nThe Carolina Reaper played a central role as a \u201cparent\u201d in the development of Pepper X \u2014 its strong, stable genetic background and extreme heat made it a natural starting point. Another key \u201cparent\u201d was a super-hot chili that remains undisclosed to this day. In addition, other super-hot chilies contributed: <\/p>\n\n
\n- Multi-layered flavor profiles<\/strong> (fruitiness, floral notes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The pod\u2019s distinctive shape and structure<\/strong> (wrinkled texture).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Efficient capsaicin storage<\/strong> within the fruit itself<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
The goal was simple but demanding: to surpass the Reaper\u2019s heat while still preserving a usable flavor \u2014 especially for applications like sauces.<\/p>\n\n
Crossbreeding Practices<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nCreating Pepper X required years of methodical, carefully planned work:<\/p>\n\n
\n- Hand pollination<\/strong> using selected parent plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Raising and screening offspring: <\/strong>each generation was evaluated for factors such as heat level, flavor, and pod structure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weaker plants were systematically culled<\/strong>; only those where the combination of heat and flavor truly worked were allowed to move forward.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Continuous refinement:<\/strong> the steps above were repeated generation after generation for more than a decade, until the desired traits became stable and consistent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
The result was a variety that delivers extremely high capsaicin levels while maintaining the desired flavor profile.<\/p>\n\n
Pepper X \u2013 Appearance and Structure (and Why It Matters)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\nPepper X pods are small, wrinkled, and irregularly shaped<\/strong> \u2014 with deep grooves and folds, relatively thick walls, and a clearly developed white interior tissue. As they ripen, the color shifts from green to yellow and finally to orange. <\/p>\n\n\n- The wrinkles and folds<\/strong> increase the internal surface area where capsaicin concentrates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The thick walls and dense pod structure<\/strong> support both the production and storage of capsaicin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
These traits were deliberately selected to support extreme heat without letting the burn completely overpower the flavor.<\/p>\n\n
Testing and Recognition of Pepper X as the World\u2019s Hottest Chili<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nPepper X made headlines not only for its extreme heat, but also because of its rigorous testing process. Independent laboratories, university research, and Guinness World Records all confirmed its status as the world\u2019s hottest chili. <\/p>\n\n
Chili heat is measured on the Scoville scale (SHU)<\/a><\/strong>, which indicates the amount of capsaicinoids \u2014 the compounds responsible for the burn. In the past, SHU was estimated based on human taste tests, but today the standard method is high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which measures capsaicinoid concentration directly. The advantage is accurate, repeatable results that can be compared reliably across different studies. <\/p>\n\nPepper X\u2019s heat was tested at Winthrop University (South Carolina), which has extensive experience in capsaicin analysis for chili peppers. Using the HPLC method, the lab separated and quantified compounds such as capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, which account for most of the burn. Across multiple samples, the results consistently showed extreme SHU readings. <\/p>\n\n
After the lab results were in, it was time to take them to Guinness World Records. Guinness required independent data, thorough documentation, and verification of the testing protocols. The results were compared against previous records before the title was awarded. In the end, Guinness recognized Pepper X as the world\u2019s hottest chili in October 2023, and it was entered into the Guinness World Records book. <\/p>\n\n
Controversy and Criticism Surrounding Pepper X\u2019s Status as the World\u2019s Hottest Chili<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nWhile Pepper X is widely regarded as the world\u2019s hottest chili, its status has not come without questions from enthusiasts and competitors within the chili community. Does Pepper X\u2019s testing fully meet the community\u2019s expectations when it comes to independent repeatability<\/strong>, transparent reporting<\/strong>, and the long-term consistency of the variety\u2019s heat level<\/strong>? <\/p>\n\nDifficult to independently replicate the results<\/strong>Guinness vs. Scientific Standards<\/strong>Sample size and calculation of average heat<\/strong>Stability of heat levels across generations<\/strong>As long as seeds or pods are not widely available for testing, skepticism among many experts and enthusiasts is understandable. Despite the criticism, Pepper X is widely recognized as the world\u2019s hottest chili. On a practical level, what matters most is that Pepper X is genuinely insanely hot \u2014 and that it works exceptionally well in sauces when used in very small amounts. <\/p>\n\n
How Hot Is Pepper X \u2014 and What Does It Taste Like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\nPepper X has an average Scoville rating of an astonishing 2.693 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This makes it the hottest chili in the world, surpassing the previous record holder, the Carolina Reaper, by more than one million units. <\/p>\n\n
If you want to get a sense of just how big the jump is between the hottest chili you\u2019ve tasted and Pepper X, take a look at the comparison below.<\/p>\n\n
Some chili varieties show SHU variation depending on the batch and even individual peppers. For example, when comparing cayenne to jalape\u00f1o, the range can be 3.75\u00d7 to 25\u00d7, while around 8\u00d7 is a more realistic average \u2014 since only a small number of measurements reach the extreme high end of 25\u00d7. <\/p>\n\n
Comparing Chilies From Mild to Extreme Heat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n- Cayenne: ~8\u00d7 hotter than jalape\u00f1o<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Habanero: ~6\u00d7 hotter than cayenne<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ghost pepper: ~5\u00d7 hotter than habanero<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 7 Pot: ~1.4\u00d7 hotter than ghost pepper<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Scorpion: ~1.1\u00d7 hotter than 7 Pot<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carolina Reaper: ~1.3\u00d7 hotter than Trinidad Scorpion<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Pepper X Compared to Other Chilies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n- Pepper X: ~540\u00d7 hotter than a jalape\u00f1o<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pepper X: ~70\u00d7 hotter than cayenne<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pepper X: ~12\u00d7 hotter than habanero<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pepper X: ~3\u00d7 hotter than Bhut Jolokia (ghost pepper)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pepper X: ~2\u00d7 hotter than 7 Pot<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pepper X: ~2\u00d7 hotter than Trinidad Scorpion<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pepper X: ~1.6\u00d7 hotter than the Carolina Reaper<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
So if you compare Pepper X to the more commonly used Habanero in chili challenges, the difference is, on average, around 12-fold. In other words, when tasting Pepper X, it can be hard to imagine that it even belongs in the same world as a Habanero. <\/p>\n\n
Tasting the World\u2019s Hottest Chili: Capsaicin and the Body\u2019s Reactions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nTypical reactions:<\/p>\n\n
\n- Intense burning in the mouth and throat, heavy sweating, and facial flushing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- An endorphin surge (\u201cchili high\u201d) as the burn begins to subside<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stomach discomfort and gastrointestinal distress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Based on experience, recovering from the afterburn can take hours, which is one of many reasons to use Pepper X only with great caution and control.<\/p>\n\n
Handling Pepper X<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n- Wear gloves.<\/strong> Avoid touching your eyes or face.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wash your hands thoroughly.<\/strong> Capsaicin doesn\u2019t wash off easily with water alone \u2014 fat and soap are far more effective.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Start small:<\/strong> a toothpick-tip-sized amount is enough to season a dish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be prepared for discomfort.<\/strong> Large amounts can cause nausea or stomach pain. This chili is not recommended for those with sensitive stomachs. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Flavor and Aroma<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nAt the very beginning, you may catch earthy, slightly bitter notes and a hint of citrusy brightness \u2014 but the heat quickly overwhelms them. The aroma is sharp and pungent, reflecting the high capsaicin content. In sauces, these nuances come through more clearly when balanced with vinegar, fruit, or mustard. <\/p>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\nHow Pepper X Compares to the Second-Hottest Chili<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nThe Carolina Reaper, also created by Ed Currie, previously held the Guinness world record. Its average heat level is around 1.64 million SHU, with some individual pods measuring over 2.2 million SHU. <\/p>\n\n
Pepper X surpasses the Carolina Reaper\u2019s peak readings by hundreds of thousands of SHU. This difference is significant, because at these heat levels, most people are no longer able to consume the chilies fresh. Where Can You Buy the World\u2019s Hottest Chili?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to buy and taste the world\u2019s hottest chili on its own, you may be a bit disappointed \u2014 Pepper X is not sold fresh. For consumers, the most convenient way to experience the world\u2019s hottest chili is in sauce form. Pepper X can be found especially in the \u201cLast Dab\u201d hot sauces made famous by the Hot Ones series.Hot Ones The Last Dab XXX Hot Sauce 148ml<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\nHot Ones The Last Dab XXX Hot Sauce 148 ml is a legendary, ultra-hot sauce that delivers an incredible combination of extreme heat and complex flavor. It features a deep, spicy, pepper-forward profile with earthy notes of turmeric and cumin, plus a subtle hint of mustard. Pepper X \u2014 used as chili, powder, and extract \u2014 adds fruity tones, a touch of smokiness, and gentle sweetness that slightly softens the burn on the tongue. This sauce is for you if you want to taste the hottest sauce ever featured on Hot Ones. <\/p>\n\n
Hot Ones The Last Dab Xperience Hot Sauce 148ml<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\nHot Ones The Last Dab Apollo Hot Sauce 148 ml is an extremely hot sauce that delivers a clean, straightforward pepper-forward flavor. Its taste is built on the sweetness of Carolina Reaper and the earthy character of Pepper X, complemented by savory notes, hints of carrot, and subtle nuances reminiscent of vegetable soup. This sauce is for you if you\u2019re looking for a bright, clear flavor experience with an explosive and long-lasting burn. <\/a><\/figure>\n\nHot Ones The Last Dab Apollo Hot Sauce 148 ml contains Apollo, a cross between Pepper X and the Carolina Reaper. It delivers an intense burn paired with a clean, pepper-forward flavor. The taste also features fruitiness, a hint of citrus, light sweetness, and a touch of smokiness that slightly softens the deep heat. As one user put it, tasting this sauce felt like licking the sun. <\/p>\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The world\u2019s hottest chili, Pepper X, was not created by accident. This mind-blowing pepper was developed by chili-breeding pioneer Ed Currie, who also created the previous record holder, the Carolina Reaper. So what exactly went into the meticulous process that took more than a decade to complete? In a nutshell, Pepper X was created by […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4209,"featured_media":987525775,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"The World\u2019s Hottest Chili: How Was Pepper X Created? \u2013 Soosikauppa ","_seopress_titles_desc":"Explore the fascinating history of Pepper X. We\u2019ll show you what the world\u2019s hottest chili pepper looks like, how it feels \u2014 and how you can taste it. ","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[883],"tags":[896,900,903],"class_list":["post-987528927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-hot-ones","tag-pepper-x","tag-spicy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/987528927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4209"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=987528927"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/987528927\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":987528941,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/987528927\/revisions\/987528941"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/987525775"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=987528927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=987528927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=987528927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Ed Currie\u2019s goal was to push the limits of heat without sacrificing flavor. This work ultimately led to the Carolina Reaper, which claimed the world record in 2013. After that milestone, Currie continued with selective breeding, refining his work even further. <\/p>\n\n
Through more than a decade of crossbreeding and selection, the Pepper X variety was developed with the goal of eventually surpassing the Reaper in intensity. The pepper was refined through careful crossbreeding and testing before being officially revealed. <\/p>\n\n
In October 2023, Guinness World Records officially confirmed that Pepper X is the world\u2019s hottest chili. Tests showed an average heat level of over 2.6 million SHU, clearly surpassing the Carolina Reaper\u2019s approximately 1.64 million. <\/p>\n\n
Pepper X Chili Timeline:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Pepper X was unveiled to the general public in the Hot Ones YouTube series<\/em>, during the final episode of season 23. The episode featured Hot Ones host Sean Evans, with guests Ed Currie and Chili Klaus, the latter known worldwide for his viral chili challenges. <\/p>\n\n The world\u2019s hottest chili, Pepper X, was created through selective crossbreeding with the goal of combining extreme heat and a clear, recognizable flavor profile. Its genetic background comes from Capsicum chinense peppers<\/em> \u2014 including the Carolina Reaper and other super-hot varieties. From a breeding perspective, the key trait of this species is the structure of the pepper itself, which is particularly well suited to accumulating high concentrations of capsaicin. <\/p>\n\n Pepper X belongs to the Capsicum chinense species <\/em>\u2014 the same family as the Habanero, Bhut Jolokia (ghost pepper), and the Carolina Reaper. This species is characterized by: <\/p>\n\n Unlike jalape\u00f1o (Capsicum annuum<\/em>), which has a much milder heat level, Capsicum chinense<\/em> serves as the foundation for breeding super-hot chili varieties.<\/p>\n\n The Carolina Reaper played a central role as a \u201cparent\u201d in the development of Pepper X \u2014 its strong, stable genetic background and extreme heat made it a natural starting point. Another key \u201cparent\u201d was a super-hot chili that remains undisclosed to this day. In addition, other super-hot chilies contributed: <\/p>\n\n The goal was simple but demanding: to surpass the Reaper\u2019s heat while still preserving a usable flavor \u2014 especially for applications like sauces.<\/p>\n\n Creating Pepper X required years of methodical, carefully planned work:<\/p>\n\n The result was a variety that delivers extremely high capsaicin levels while maintaining the desired flavor profile.<\/p>\n\n Pepper X pods are small, wrinkled, and irregularly shaped<\/strong> \u2014 with deep grooves and folds, relatively thick walls, and a clearly developed white interior tissue. As they ripen, the color shifts from green to yellow and finally to orange. <\/p>\n\n These traits were deliberately selected to support extreme heat without letting the burn completely overpower the flavor.<\/p>\n\n Pepper X made headlines not only for its extreme heat, but also because of its rigorous testing process. Independent laboratories, university research, and Guinness World Records all confirmed its status as the world\u2019s hottest chili. <\/p>\n\n Chili heat is measured on the Scoville scale (SHU)<\/a><\/strong>, which indicates the amount of capsaicinoids \u2014 the compounds responsible for the burn. In the past, SHU was estimated based on human taste tests, but today the standard method is high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which measures capsaicinoid concentration directly. The advantage is accurate, repeatable results that can be compared reliably across different studies. <\/p>\n\n Pepper X\u2019s heat was tested at Winthrop University (South Carolina), which has extensive experience in capsaicin analysis for chili peppers. Using the HPLC method, the lab separated and quantified compounds such as capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, which account for most of the burn. Across multiple samples, the results consistently showed extreme SHU readings. <\/p>\n\n After the lab results were in, it was time to take them to Guinness World Records. Guinness required independent data, thorough documentation, and verification of the testing protocols. The results were compared against previous records before the title was awarded. In the end, Guinness recognized Pepper X as the world\u2019s hottest chili in October 2023, and it was entered into the Guinness World Records book. <\/p>\n\n While Pepper X is widely regarded as the world\u2019s hottest chili, its status has not come without questions from enthusiasts and competitors within the chili community. Does Pepper X\u2019s testing fully meet the community\u2019s expectations when it comes to independent repeatability<\/strong>, transparent reporting<\/strong>, and the long-term consistency of the variety\u2019s heat level<\/strong>? <\/p>\n\n Difficult to independently replicate the results<\/strong> Guinness vs. Scientific Standards<\/strong> Sample size and calculation of average heat<\/strong> Stability of heat levels across generations<\/strong> As long as seeds or pods are not widely available for testing, skepticism among many experts and enthusiasts is understandable. Despite the criticism, Pepper X is widely recognized as the world\u2019s hottest chili. On a practical level, what matters most is that Pepper X is genuinely insanely hot \u2014 and that it works exceptionally well in sauces when used in very small amounts. <\/p>\n\n Pepper X has an average Scoville rating of an astonishing 2.693 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This makes it the hottest chili in the world, surpassing the previous record holder, the Carolina Reaper, by more than one million units. <\/p>\n\n If you want to get a sense of just how big the jump is between the hottest chili you\u2019ve tasted and Pepper X, take a look at the comparison below.<\/p>\n\n Some chili varieties show SHU variation depending on the batch and even individual peppers. For example, when comparing cayenne to jalape\u00f1o, the range can be 3.75\u00d7 to 25\u00d7, while around 8\u00d7 is a more realistic average \u2014 since only a small number of measurements reach the extreme high end of 25\u00d7. <\/p>\n\n So if you compare Pepper X to the more commonly used Habanero in chili challenges, the difference is, on average, around 12-fold. In other words, when tasting Pepper X, it can be hard to imagine that it even belongs in the same world as a Habanero. <\/p>\n\n Typical reactions:<\/p>\n\n Based on experience, recovering from the afterburn can take hours, which is one of many reasons to use Pepper X only with great caution and control.<\/p>\n\n At the very beginning, you may catch earthy, slightly bitter notes and a hint of citrusy brightness \u2014 but the heat quickly overwhelms them. The aroma is sharp and pungent, reflecting the high capsaicin content. In sauces, these nuances come through more clearly when balanced with vinegar, fruit, or mustard. <\/p>\n\n The Carolina Reaper, also created by Ed Currie, previously held the Guinness world record. Its average heat level is around 1.64 million SHU, with some individual pods measuring over 2.2 million SHU. <\/p>\n\n Pepper X surpasses the Carolina Reaper\u2019s peak readings by hundreds of thousands of SHU. This difference is significant, because at these heat levels, most people are no longer able to consume the chilies fresh. If you\u2019re looking to buy and taste the world\u2019s hottest chili on its own, you may be a bit disappointed \u2014 Pepper X is not sold fresh. For consumers, the most convenient way to experience the world\u2019s hottest chili is in sauce form. Pepper X can be found especially in the \u201cLast Dab\u201d hot sauces made famous by the Hot Ones series. Hot Ones The Last Dab XXX Hot Sauce 148ml<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n Hot Ones The Last Dab XXX Hot Sauce 148 ml is a legendary, ultra-hot sauce that delivers an incredible combination of extreme heat and complex flavor. It features a deep, spicy, pepper-forward profile with earthy notes of turmeric and cumin, plus a subtle hint of mustard. Pepper X \u2014 used as chili, powder, and extract \u2014 adds fruity tones, a touch of smokiness, and gentle sweetness that slightly softens the burn on the tongue. This sauce is for you if you want to taste the hottest sauce ever featured on Hot Ones. <\/p>\n\n Hot Ones The Last Dab Xperience Hot Sauce 148ml<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n Hot Ones The Last Dab Apollo Hot Sauce 148 ml is an extremely hot sauce that delivers a clean, straightforward pepper-forward flavor. Its taste is built on the sweetness of Carolina Reaper and the earthy character of Pepper X, complemented by savory notes, hints of carrot, and subtle nuances reminiscent of vegetable soup. This sauce is for you if you\u2019re looking for a bright, clear flavor experience with an explosive and long-lasting burn. Hot Ones The Last Dab Apollo Hot Sauce 148 ml contains Apollo, a cross between Pepper X and the Carolina Reaper. It delivers an intense burn paired with a clean, pepper-forward flavor. The taste also features fruitiness, a hint of citrus, light sweetness, and a touch of smokiness that slightly softens the deep heat. As one user put it, tasting this sauce felt like licking the sun. <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The world\u2019s hottest chili, Pepper X, was not created by accident. This mind-blowing pepper was developed by chili-breeding pioneer Ed Currie, who also created the previous record holder, the Carolina Reaper. So what exactly went into the meticulous process that took more than a decade to complete? In a nutshell, Pepper X was created by […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4209,"featured_media":987525775,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"The World\u2019s Hottest Chili: How Was Pepper X Created? \u2013 Soosikauppa ","_seopress_titles_desc":"Explore the fascinating history of Pepper X. We\u2019ll show you what the world\u2019s hottest chili pepper looks like, how it feels \u2014 and how you can taste it. ","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[883],"tags":[896,900,903],"class_list":["post-987528927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-hot-ones","tag-pepper-x","tag-spicy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/987528927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4209"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=987528927"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/987528927\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":987528941,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/987528927\/revisions\/987528941"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/987525775"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=987528927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=987528927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soosikauppa.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=987528927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
Pepper X\u2019s Genetic Background and Breeding Process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
The Capsicum chinense <\/em><\/strong>Species<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
\n
The Role of Carolina Reaper and Other Super-Hot Chilies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
\n
Crossbreeding Practices<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
\n
Pepper X \u2013 Appearance and Structure (and Why It Matters)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n
Testing and Recognition of Pepper X as the World\u2019s Hottest Chili<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
Controversy and Criticism Surrounding Pepper X\u2019s Status as the World\u2019s Hottest Chili<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
How Hot Is Pepper X \u2014 and What Does It Taste Like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\nComparing Chilies From Mild to Extreme Heat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
\n
Pepper X Compared to Other Chilies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
\n
Tasting the World\u2019s Hottest Chili: Capsaicin and the Body\u2019s Reactions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
\n
Handling Pepper X<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
\n
Flavor and Aroma<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\nHow Pepper X Compares to the Second-Hottest Chili<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
Where Can You Buy the World\u2019s Hottest Chili?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n