Carolina Reaper
For nearly a decade the Carolina Reaper was the hottest pepper on Earth, a Guinness world-record holder developed in South Carolina. Averaging well over 1.6 million Scoville units and peaking past 2 million, it's a genuine superhot — but it isn't just heat. The reaper opens with a surprising fruity sweetness before the burn arrives and settles in for a long, punishing stay. Its gnarled, tailed shape is unmistakable. It held the record until 2023, when Pepper X surpassed it.
Heat & Scoville
Carolina Reaper runs 1,400,000–2,200,000 SHU — classified as Very hot. SHU ranges vary by cultivar and growing conditions; treat these as commonly cited guides, not lab-exact numbers.
Flavor profile
Fruity-sweet on the front, then a brutal, lingering burn. A former Guinness world-record holder for the hottest chili.
Origin: South Carolina, USA (cultivated hybrid).
Forms & how to use
Typically sold both. Common forms: fresh, dried, powder, extract.
- superhot novelty
- extreme hot sauce
- extract
Held the Guinness record until 2023 (surpassed by Pepper X). Note the record history in the body for accuracy.
Substitutes
Carolina Reaper in chili & recipes
No tagged recipes yet — browse all chili recipes while we wire more matches.
FAQ
How hot is a Carolina Reaper?
Extremely hot — averaging over 1.6 million and peaking past 2 million Scoville Heat Units. It held the Guinness world record until 2023.
Carolina Reaper vs ghost pepper — which is hotter?
The reaper is significantly hotter — roughly 1.5–2x the ghost pepper — and arrives with more fruity sweetness before the burn.
Is the Carolina Reaper still the world's hottest pepper?
No. It held the record for years but was surpassed by Pepper X in 2023.