Pepper X
2.7M SHU · Capsicum chinense
SuperhotHeat range
2.5M to 2.7M SHU. Typical: 2.7M 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
Pepper X has flavors of earthy, slightly bitter, flat flavor profile overshadowed by extreme heat.
Pepper X is the current Guinness World Record holder for hottest pepper, confirmed in October 2023 at an average of 2,693,000 SHU, roughly 1 million units above the Carolina Reaper. It was developed by Ed Currie over ten years of selective breeding. Unlike the Reaper, Pepper X is not widely available as seed or fresh pepper; Currie has kept the variety under tight control. The flavor profile is less complex than the Reaper, with an earthy, slightly bitter quality that is almost entirely overshadowed by the extreme capsaicin content. Most people know Pepper X through The Last Dab sauce featured on the YouTube show Hot Ones. At this heat level, culinary application is limited; it exists primarily as a record and a challenge.
How it’s used
Pepper X is commonly used in The Last Dab hot sauce (Hot Ones), record-holding exhibitions.
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 Pepper X compared to a jalapeño?
Pepper X at 2.7M SHU is roughly 539× hotter than a typical jalapeño (5,000 SHU). That is a significant difference in capsaicin concentration.
What does Pepper X taste like?
Pepper X has flavors of earthy, slightly bitter, flat flavor profile overshadowed by extreme heat. Beyond the heat, these flavor notes distinguish it from other peppers at similar Scoville ratings.
Can I grow Pepper X at home?
Yes, but Pepper X 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.
What's a good substitute for Pepper X?
The closest substitutes are Carolina Reaper. These share similar heat ranges and compatible flavor profiles. For exact quantity ratios, use the substitution calculator.
What is Pepper X's Scoville rating?
Pepper X ranges from 2.5M to 2.7M SHU, with a typical measurement of 2.7M SHU. This range reflects natural variation in capsaicin production due to growing conditions, ripeness, and genetics.