Carolina Reaper Scoville: How Hot Is the Reaper Pepper?
The Carolina Reaper is the spicy food of spicy foods. Have you ever wondered how many Scoville units the undisputed heavyweight champ of spiciness has? You're about to find out.
This fiery chili averages 1,569,300 SHUs, with peaks exceeding 2.2 million Scoville Heat Units. Heat is one of the most interesting things about the Carolina Reaper, but boy, oh boy, it is so much more than that. We're talking sweet, fruity flavor before the fire jets you out to another atmosphere.
First cultivated by Ed Currie of the PuckerButt Pepper Company in South Carolina, the Carolina Reaper is a crossbreed between a Pakistani Naga pepper and a Red Habanero. The result? A blisteringly hot chili that has held the title of world’s hottest pepper since 2013.
For those who dare, you can find this legendary pepper featured in ultra-hot Carolina Reaper sauces, including Elijah’s Xtreme Reaper Hot Sauce.
Reaper Rundown: Carolina Reaper In A Nutshell
The Carolina Reaper pepper is officially recognized as the world’s hottest pepper.
It averages 1,569,300 Scoville Heat Units (SHUs), with some reaching over 2.2 million SHUs.
The Scoville Scale measures the heat of chili peppers based on capsaicin content.
Elijah’s Xtreme creates flavorful, high-heat sauces featuring the Carolina Reaper.
Be careful when handling or eating this pepper—the burn is real!
The Scoville Scale: Measuring the Heat
What Are Scoville Heat Units (SHUs)?
It's a term we hear so often when we talk about heat, but many people still ask what on earth this Scoville Scale is. The Scoville Scale measures the spice of hot peppers by testing how much sugar-water is needed to neutralize their burn. It was created by Wilbur Scoville in 1912, and today, it's still the standard for rating chili peppers.
Pepper Type
Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
Jalapeño
2,500 - 8,000 SHU
Habanero
100,000 - 350,000 SHU
Ghost Pepper
855,000 - 1,041,427 SHU
Carolina Reaper
1,569,300 - 2,200,000+ SHU
What Makes the Carolina Reaper So Hot?
Why is it that the Carolina Reaper is so hot? Well, it all comes down to capsaicin, the compound that causes your mouth to feel like it's just been set on fire. The Carolina Reaper has an out-of-this-atmosphere capsaicin concentration, creating an intense sensation. That burning feeling can last for minutes—or hours even if you only eat a small bit of it.
Scientists have picked up on capsaicin receptors in our bodies that trigger pain responses when exposed to extreme heat. This is why when you eat a Carolina Reaper, you may sweat, have burning sensations, and even have endorphin rushes!
Check out our collection of the absolute hottest sauces we sell and try the fire for yourself!
How Does the Carolina Reaper Taste?
We already know the Carolina Reaper pepper is next-level hot but it has more flavor to it than you'd expect. It actually has a sweet and fruity taste. This makes it perfect for creating flavorful Carolina Reaper sauces that you can add to your food—like Elijah’s Xtreme Reaper Hot Sauce, which blends the pepper’s fire with other delicious ingredients.
Handling the Heat
Touching your eyes after handling a Reaper? Big mistake. Always remember to wear gloves when you're handling a Carolina Reaper or else...
Milk can help neutralize the burn—water will not.
Heat levels vary even among Carolina Reaper peppers—some might be easier to handle, while others will make you question your life choices.
If you experience extreme discomfort, avoid drinking water because water spreads the capsaicin!
Growing and Harvesting the Carolina Reaper
How to Grow Carolina Reaper Peppers
The Carolina Reaper thrives in warm climates, such as places like South Carolina, where it was first cultivated. To successfully grow this pepper, you need to:
- Put your Carolina Reaper Pepper in a pot with well-draining soil
- Put the plant in a place with plenty of sunlight (at least 6-8 hours a day)
- Always make sure to water your pepper regularly (but avoid drowning it)
Carolina reaper peppers have a long growing season—they take around 90-120 days to mature.
Harvesting the Reaper
Most Carolina Reaper plants are ready to harvest by July or August. You'll know they're ready when the hot peppers turn a vibrant red with a bumpy texture. Harvest carefully—wearing gloves is an absolute must!
Culinary Uses of the Carolina Reaper
It's hard to believe that a pepper this hot works in so many other spicy foods but it does. Apart from hot sauces, the Carolina Reaper can be used in:
- Spicy salsas and relishes
- Marinades for meats
- Infused oils for extra heat
- Dried chili flakes for seasoning
- Challenge dishes in extreme eating competitions
Elijah’s Xtreme: Bringing the Heat with Flavor
If you love hot peppers, you need to try Elijah’s Xtreme Reaper Hot Sauce. This legendary sauce packs the Carolina Reaper’s full heat but balances it with an incredible depth of flavor.
Why Elijah’s Xtreme?
🔥 Created by a father-and-son duo who are all about spicy foods
🔥 They've got over a decade in the game, bringing the heat since 2014
🔥 Not just hot—full of bold, balanced flavors
🔥 Tried, tested, and loved by the fiery community
Ready to increase your spice level? Grab a bottle of Reaper Hot Sauce today!
Want it in bulk? Grab a case of Reaper Hot Sauce (12pk) here.
The Health Benefits (and Risks) of Eating Carolina Reapers
Health Benefits
Boosts metabolism: Capsaicin has been shown to increase metabolism, helping with calorie burning.
Pain relief: Some research suggests capsaicin can help reduce pain sensitivity.
Rich in vitamins: Carolina Reapers contain vitamin C and antioxidants, which are great for immunity.
Risks of Consuming Carolina Reapers
Extreme discomfort: Carolina Reapers are hot hot hot. The heat can cause severe stomach pain or cramps.
Temporary numbness: Some people experience tingling or burning sensations for hours.
Potential medical emergencies: In rare cases, consuming excessive amounts can lead to complications like esophageal damage or severe gastrointestinal distress so watch out.
The Carolina Reaper Challenge: Can You Handle the Heat?
The Carolina Reaper Challenge is a viral sensation where people try to eat the infamous Carolina Reaper, whole. If you decide to have a product infused with it instead, like a sauce, it still counts.
Tips for Attempting the Challenge
Prepare ahead: Have milk, yogurt, or ice cream ready to soothe that incoming burn.
Start small: Don’t eat an entire pepper at once—try a tiny bit first and go from there.
Know your limits: If you experience dizziness, nausea, or excessive sweating, that's your sign to stop.
Up for the Carolina Reaper Challenge? If so, test your limits with Elijah’s Xtreme Reaper Hot Sauce!
FAQs About the Carolina Reaper
How Do You Grow Carolina Reaper Peppers?
If you're in a warmer climate like South Carolina and hoping to grow a Carolina Reaper, we have good news for you. Make sure to use well-draining soil in your pot and plenty of water and keep your plant in a sunny spot. Most Carolina Reaper plants are ready to harvest around August.
What’s the Best Way to Use Carolina Reaper Sauce?
Carolina Reaper sauce is perfect for adding heat to dishes like wings, tacos, and burgers. But be careful—a little goes a long way. Try Elijah’s Xtreme Reaper Hot Sauce for an intense but flavorful burn!
Looking for something a little less intense? Start here with our mild hot sauces.
Want something extra hot, but with a little variety? We've got a trio of hot sauces available!