The Carolina Reaper is Literally Hotter Than Pepper Spray
Michael Hines — December 31, 2013 — Lifestyle
References: foodbeast & thatsnerdalicious
The world has a new hottest pepper and it is appropriately named the Carolina Reaper. The pepper checks in at an astounding 1,569,300 Scoville Heat Units. For those who don't keep up with the Scoville scale, all you need to know is that pepper spray checks in at 2,000,000 units and jalapeno peppers come in at 5,000 units.
Although 1,569,300 Scoville Heat Units is hot, that's only the average for the plot of peppers tested. The individual Carolina Reaper came in at 2,200,000 units and is thus equivalent to eating a shot of pepper spray and then some. The fiery red pepper easily bests the previous record holder, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, by some 300,000 units.
Although 1,569,300 Scoville Heat Units is hot, that's only the average for the plot of peppers tested. The individual Carolina Reaper came in at 2,200,000 units and is thus equivalent to eating a shot of pepper spray and then some. The fiery red pepper easily bests the previous record holder, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, by some 300,000 units.
Trend Themes
1. Increase in Super-hot Foods - The demand for foods with extremely high spice levels is increasing, evidenced by the creation of record-setting peppers like the Carolina Reaper.
2. Health Benefits of Spicy Foods - Studies will likely continue to emerge showcasing the health benefits associated with consuming spicy foods and peppers.
3. Sustainability of Super-hot Pepper Industry - As the consumption of super-hot peppers increases, more sustainable methods of cultivation and processing will need to be developed.
Industry Implications
1. Food Industry - The food industry can capitalize on the trend of extremely spicy foods by creating new products and incorporating high heat levels into their current offerings.
2. Agriculture Industry - The agriculture industry has the opportunity to develop sustainable practices for growing and harvesting super-hot peppers to meet the increasing demand.
3. Pharmaceutical Industry - The pharmaceutical industry could explore the potential health benefits associated with consuming high heat-level peppers and create products based on these findings.
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