Carolina Reaper
1.6M SHU · Capsicum chinense
SuperhotHeat range
1.4M to 2.2M SHU. Typical: 1.6M SHU.
Individual peppers vary within this range based on growing conditions, ripeness, and genetic variation. See the Scoville scale guide for why the range matters.
Flavor and character
Carolina Reaper has flavors of fruity, sweet at first, cinnamon undertone, intense sustained burn.
The Carolina Reaper held the Guinness World Record for hottest pepper from 2013 to 2023, with an official average of 1,641,183 SHU. Created by Ed Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company in Rock Hill, South Carolina, it is a cross between a Pakistani Naga and a red habanero type. The Reaper has a distinctive gnarled, lumpy appearance with a pointed tail. The initial taste is fruity and almost sweet with hints of cinnamon and chocolate before the heat detonates about 20-30 seconds in. The burn is overwhelming and can last 20-40 minutes. Despite the extreme heat, the Reaper has genuine flavor complexity, which is why it remains popular in hot sauce production even after losing the record to Pepper X.
How it’s used
Carolina Reaper is commonly used in extreme hot sauces, eating challenges, dehydrated into powder.
What to use instead
These substitutions match heat, not flavor. Flavor character changes substantially between peppers. For custom quantities, use the substitution calculator.
Compare with another pepper
Other peppers to explore
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Carolina Reaper compared to a jalapeño?
Carolina Reaper at 1.6M SHU is roughly 328× hotter than a typical jalapeño (5,000 SHU). That is a significant difference in capsaicin concentration.
What does Carolina Reaper taste like?
Carolina Reaper has flavors of fruity, sweet at first, cinnamon undertone, intense sustained burn. Beyond the heat, these flavor notes distinguish it from other peppers at similar Scoville ratings.
Can I grow Carolina Reaper at home?
Yes, but Carolina Reaper requires a long growing season (140+ frost-free days) and warm temperatures. Start seeds indoors 12–14 weeks before last frost with a heat mat at 85°F. USDA zones 9+ are ideal; cooler zones need a greenhouse or large containers.
Is Carolina Reaper hotter than Pepper X?
No. Pepper X at 2.7M SHU typical is hotter than Carolina Reaper at 1.6M SHU. Compare them side by side on the comparison tool.
What's a good substitute for Carolina Reaper?
The closest substitutes are Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) and Trinidad Moruga Scorpion. These share similar heat ranges and compatible flavor profiles. For exact quantity ratios, use the substitution calculator.
What is Carolina Reaper's Scoville rating?
Carolina Reaper ranges from 1.4M to 2.2M SHU, with a typical measurement of 1.6M SHU. This range reflects natural variation in capsaicin production due to growing conditions, ripeness, and genetics.