Prepare your taste buds for the world’s spiciest chili pepper – Pepper X. It has officially earned this fiery title from Guinness World Records, surpassing the Carolina Reaper, with an average Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of 2.69 million. To put this in perspective, a jalapeño ranges from 3,000 to 8,000 SHUs, making Pepper X a true inferno.
Pepper X is the brainchild of Ed Currie and his PuckerButt Pepper Company, representing over a decade of meticulous cultivation and selection. Currie developed eight to twelve generations of this chili pepper to achieve the precise blend of heat and flavor he sought. Initially, he intended to keep it secret until someone created an even spicier pepper, ultimately revealing Pepper X to the world. Since that challenge never materialized, Currie decided it was time to unveil his creation.
Describing the flavor of Pepper X, Currie notes a brief earthy essence that quickly gives way to intense, searing heat. This fiery sensation can last up to three hours and might be followed by four hours of stomach discomfort. As a result, Currie advises against jumping straight into PuckerButt’s products containing Pepper X, especially for casual spice enthusiasts. His suggestion is to begin with milder peppers like jalapeños and cayennes, gradually working up to habaneros, ghost peppers, and other even hotter varieties. Currie is already developing new, even spicier peppers, ensuring that the world’s love for fiery food remains insatiable.