Ask most people what the world's spiciest pepper is and they'll probably answer with the infamous Carolina Reaper pepper, which has a Scoville heat unit (SHU) range between 1.4 million and 2.2 million. For now, they're technically right as the Carolina Reaper has been dubbed by Guinness World Records the "hottest pepper in the world" since it was awarded this title in 2013. While it may be the spiciest pepper on paper, a contender has recently gained worldwide attention from botanists and spice fiends alike.
Enter the Dragon's Breath pepper, boasting a SHU of 2.4 million. The plant that grows the pepper was first bred by a research team at Nottingham Trent University who collaborated with NPK Technology and farmer Neal Price. The original intention was to create a plant that produced oils with topical analgesic qualities that can be utilized in a fashion akin to how capsaicin is used to help combat the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The pepper itself was later cultivated in Wales by Mike Smith in 2017, who suggested that the creation of Dragon's Breath was a complete accident. Smith admitted in an interview with The Daily Post that he attempted to taste the pepper: "I've tried it on the tip of my tongue and it just burned and burned. I spat it out in 10 seconds." Even though its name alludes to a Welsh dragon of legend, it sounds like Dragon's Breath seriously lives up to its namesake.
It's clear that Dragon's Breath is pretty damn spicy. If the SHU of the pepper is true, it must be the new record holder for the world's hottest pepper, right?
Well, there's good news and bad news.
The bad news is that the Dragon's Breath pepper is yet to be evaluated by the Guinness World Records testing team. For that reason, its SHU (established by Nottingham Trent University) has not been declared official and cannot be taken into consideration for the world record. Until Dragon's Breath is tested by their officials, the Carolina Reaper will hold the title for the world's hottest pepper.
The good news is that Dragon's Breath is officially available for purchase! You can look towards multiple websites to purchase the plant's seeds and grow your own. Determine for yourself which is truly the world's hottest pepper!
Do you think Dragon's Breath's SHU is legitimate? Which pepper do you think deserves the title for "world's hottest pepper?" Tell us what you think in the comments below!
DISCLAIMER: it is NOT advised to ingest any portion of the Dragon's Breath plant as it is extremely hot and ingestion can potentially lead to injury or death, especially those to those with preexisting gastrointestinal conditions. Know your limitations and eat at your own risk!
Enter the Dragon's Breath pepper, boasting a SHU of 2.4 million. The plant that grows the pepper was first bred by a research team at Nottingham Trent University who collaborated with NPK Technology and farmer Neal Price. The original intention was to create a plant that produced oils with topical analgesic qualities that can be utilized in a fashion akin to how capsaicin is used to help combat the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The pepper itself was later cultivated in Wales by Mike Smith in 2017, who suggested that the creation of Dragon's Breath was a complete accident. Smith admitted in an interview with The Daily Post that he attempted to taste the pepper: "I've tried it on the tip of my tongue and it just burned and burned. I spat it out in 10 seconds." Even though its name alludes to a Welsh dragon of legend, it sounds like Dragon's Breath seriously lives up to its namesake.
It's clear that Dragon's Breath is pretty damn spicy. If the SHU of the pepper is true, it must be the new record holder for the world's hottest pepper, right?
Well, there's good news and bad news.
The bad news is that the Dragon's Breath pepper is yet to be evaluated by the Guinness World Records testing team. For that reason, its SHU (established by Nottingham Trent University) has not been declared official and cannot be taken into consideration for the world record. Until Dragon's Breath is tested by their officials, the Carolina Reaper will hold the title for the world's hottest pepper.
The good news is that Dragon's Breath is officially available for purchase! You can look towards multiple websites to purchase the plant's seeds and grow your own. Determine for yourself which is truly the world's hottest pepper!
Do you think Dragon's Breath's SHU is legitimate? Which pepper do you think deserves the title for "world's hottest pepper?" Tell us what you think in the comments below!
DISCLAIMER: it is NOT advised to ingest any portion of the Dragon's Breath plant as it is extremely hot and ingestion can potentially lead to injury or death, especially those to those with preexisting gastrointestinal conditions. Know your limitations and eat at your own risk!
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| Credit: Bohica Pepper Hut |
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