Which Chili Pepper Is The Hottest?

There are many opinions on the subject of chili pepper strength, and which chili is the hottest. Many of these opinions are based on taste tests and some on actual test data. One of the most popular and accepted scales for measuring pepper strength is the Scoville Scale shown here in the Chile Heat Chart. The scale is named after its inventor, Wilbur Scoville, and measures the hotness of a chili pepper as defined by the amount of capsaicin it contains. On the Scoville Scale pure Capsaicin has a rating of 15 million. The hottest chili pepper is the Bhut or Naga Jolokia (a.k.a. Ghost Pepper) with a rating of 1 million. Law Enforcement Grade pepper spray has a rating to 5.3 million.

Here are several interesting facts about the chemical Capsaicin. First, the highest concentration of Capsaicin is found in the white pith around the seeds inside peppers. It is interesting to know that birds do not have the receptor in their bodies to which Capsaicin binds, so that they are not affected by the seeds they eat. In fact birds are the chief means of distributing pepper seeds as they pass harmlessly through their digestive tract.

Cold milk is the most effective solution against the burning caused by Capsaicin. A cold sugar solution is also effective. Capsaicin is used in many topical ointments used in the medical field to reduce pain in muscles and joints, and is available in large bandages that can be applied to the back. It is interesting to know that the American Association for Cancer Research has shown that Capsaicin can kill prostate cancer cells. Studies in Japan and China have shown that it also inhibits the growth of leukemic cells. A study at the University of Nottingham suggests that it can also be effective in the treatment of human lung cancer. Another interesting suggestion was made to use Capsaicin to prevent the abuse of drugs that are crushed and snorted. The idea is to add Capsaicin to those drugs so that if used properly there is no ill effect. However, if the drug is crushed and snorted, injected or chewed, the abuser would be in for a surprise. Clifford Woolf, a professor at Harvard Medical School joked, “Imagine snorting an extract of 50 jalapeño peppers and you get the idea”!

Everyone is familiar with the use of Capsaicin in Pepper Sprays used for riot control and personal defense. The chemical can also be used to control mammalian pests such as squirrels and rabbits.

Whatever your appetite for chili peppers with their numerous varieties and Scoville ratings, remember to use them safely, as you enjoy one of nature’s greatest products.