If you are a fan of spicy food, you might have heard of the Carolina Reaper, the chilli pepper that holds the Guinness World Record for being the hottest in the world. But did you know that there is a new contender for the crown of spiciness? Meet Pepper X, the hybrid pepper that is more than twice as hot as the Carolina Reaper and has been dubbed as the new king of spicy peppers.
The Creation of Pepper X
Pepper X is the result of a decade-long project by Ed Currie, the founder of the PuckerButt Pepper Company in South Carolina. Ed Currie is a self-proclaimed “mad scientist” who has a passion for breeding and growing chilli peppers. He has a collection of over 1,500 varieties of peppers from all over the world, which he uses to create new hybrids and crossbreeds.
Ed Currie started working on Pepper X in 2013, when he crossed two of his hottest peppers at the time. He then continued to select and breed the offspring until he achieved the desired level of heat and flavor. He named his creation Pepper X, because it was too hot to be named anything else.
The Heat Level of Pepper X
The heat level of chilli peppers is measured by the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU), which indicates how much capsaicin, the chemical compound that causes the burning sensation, is present in the pepper. The higher the SHU, the hotter the pepper.
According to Ed Currie, Pepper X has an average SHU of 3.18 million, which is more than twice as hot as the Carolina Reaper, which has an average SHU of 1.57 million. To put this into perspective, a jalapeño pepper has an average SHU of 5,000, which means that Pepper X is about 636 times hotter than a jalapeño.
To verify the heat level of Pepper X, Ed Currie sent samples to various laboratories and universities for testing. He also submitted his claim to the Guinness World Records, which is currently under review. If confirmed, Pepper X will officially become the world’s hottest chilli pepper.
The Taste and Use of Pepper X
You might be wondering what Pepper X tastes like, and whether anyone can actually eat it without suffering from severe consequences. According to Ed Currie, Pepper X has a fruity and floral flavor, with hints of citrus and cherry. He says that it is not meant to be eaten raw, but rather used as an ingredient in sauces and dishes.
One of the products that features Pepper X is The Last Dab, a limited edition hot sauce that is made by Heatonist, a Brooklyn-based company that specializes in artisanal hot sauces. The Last Dab is also featured on Hot Ones, a popular YouTube show where celebrities are interviewed while eating progressively hotter wings.
The Last Dab has an SHU of 2.4 million, which makes it one of the hottest sauces in the world. It is described as having a complex and savory flavor, with notes of mustard, ginger and cumin. It is also said to have a delayed but intense burn that lasts for several minutes.
The Last Dab is not for the faint-hearted, and only those who have a high tolerance for spicy food should attempt to try it. Ed Currie himself warns that consuming too much Pepper X or The Last Dab can cause serious health issues, such as stomach ulcers, vomiting and even temporary blindness. He advises people to use caution and moderation when handling or eating his peppers.
The Future of Pepper X
Pepper X is not yet commercially available, but Ed Currie plans to release it to the public in the near future. He says that he has enough seeds to produce about 10,000 plants per year, which he hopes to distribute to other growers and enthusiasts around the world.
Ed Currie also says that he is not done with creating new peppers, and that he has already started working on his next project: Pepper Z. He claims that Pepper Z will be even hotter than Pepper X, and that he aims to reach an SHU of 5 million or more.
Whether you are curious or adventurous enough to try Pepper X or The Last Dab, or you prefer to stick to milder peppers, there is no doubt that Ed Currie has made a remarkable contribution to the world of spicy food. He has pushed the boundaries of what is possible with chilli peppers, and created a new sensation for those who love to challenge their taste buds.
Reference:
Pepper X dethrones Carolina Reaper as world’s hottest chilli pepper | Guinness World Records
