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.
Where to buy
For years the world's hottest pepper, the Carolina Reaper is pure extreme-heat territory with a surprising underlying sweetness. Bought as powder by heat-seekers and hot-sauce makers — a speck is plenty. Handle with gloves; respect the Scoville.
Our pick: Sonoran Spice Carolina Reaper Powder — the real Reaper, for the extreme-heat crowd.
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Substitutes
Carolina Reaper in chili & recipes
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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.