The Guinness World Records has named Pepper X as the new hottest chili pepper, surpassing the Carolina Reaper after a decade.
Pepper X: The Hottest Chili Pepper in the World
The Guinness World Records has recently awarded the title of the hottest chili pepper in the world to Pepper X, dethroning the Carolina Reaper. Developed by breeder and grower Ed Currie, Pepper X registers an impressive 2.69 million Scoville heat units (SHU), compared to the habanero pepper’s 100,000 SHU. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant milestone in the world of chili peppers.
A Proprietary Pepper
As a proprietary pepper, Pepper X pods and seeds will not be available for sale. Ed Currie spent ten years cultivating Pepper X on his South Carolina farm, keeping his project under wraps to protect his intellectual property. In a statement, Currie mentioned that only a select few of his closest family and friends were aware of the groundbreaking developments. This secrecy only added to the anticipation and excitement surrounding Pepper X’s official recognition.
A Record-Breaking Heat Level
In lab tests conducted at Winthrop University in South Carolina, Pepper X recorded an average of 2,693,000 SHU, making it over a million units hotter than Currie’s previous creation, the Carolina Reaper, which averaged 1,641,183 SHU. The Scoville Scale, invented by pharmacist Wilbur Scoville in 1912, measures the dilution of capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the burning sensation of peppers. Capsaicin can trigger the release of dopamine and endorphins in the body, providing a natural high.
The Curious Origins of Pepper X
Ed Currie’s journey into pepper breeding began as a hobby after overcoming drug and alcohol addictions. He found growing peppers to be a natural high and a way to channel his energy positively. Contrary to popular belief, the spiciness of a pepper does not come from its seeds but rather from the placenta, the tissue that holds the seeds. Pepper X’s unique curves and ridges provide more surface area for the placenta to grow, contributing to its extreme heat, as recognized by the Guinness World Records.
A Fiery Experience
Only five individuals, including Ed Currie, have consumed an entire Pepper X. Currie described the experience as intense, lasting for three and a half hours. He also mentioned experiencing excruciating cramps that left him incapacitated for an hour, lying on a marble wall in the rain. Despite the intense pain, Currie’s determination to create a record-breaking pepper has paid off.
Protecting Intellectual Property
Currie’s lawyer reported that over 10,000 products have used the Carolina Reaper name without permission, leading to a loss of potential profits. To safeguard his intellectual property and ensure a return on his efforts, Currie has decided not to release Pepper X pods and seeds to the public. The only way to experience the heat of Pepper X will be through hot sauces that will be available for purchase.
In conclusion, Pepper X’s recognition as the hottest chili pepper in the world is a remarkable achievement. Ed Currie’s dedication and passion for pepper breeding have resulted in a groundbreaking creation that pushes the boundaries of spiciness. While the general public may not have access to Pepper X pods and seeds, hot sauce enthusiasts can still experience its intense heat. This record-breaking pepper serves as a testament to human innovation and the endless possibilities that nature has to offer.
