In 2012, the scorpion chili pepper was the hottest in the world.
At least, that’s what the Guinness Book of World Records reported; it was the hottest pepper that had ever been put up for testing. The scorpion’s reign didn’t last long; the Carolina reaper took its throne a year later.
But, that doesn’t mean you should discount the sting of a scorpion. It’s very much like putting a live scorpion (you know, the little critters you try desperately to avoid in tropical climates).
What You Must Know about Scorpion Peppers Now
The average heat of scorpion chili peppers is around 1.2 million Scoville heat units (SHUs). That’s a huge number; if you’ve ever labored under the impression that jalapeños are hot, a scorpion will blow your mind.
And, 1.2 million SHUs isn’t the hottest scorpion you’ll get; the hottest cross the 2 million mark with style. The hottest Carolina reaper rated 2.2 million SHUs. (Its average is less than a million SHUs.)
The scorpion may have lost its title, but not by much.
In case you’re wondering, this stinging pepper’s proper name is Trinidad Moruga scorpion. As you can guess, the pepper is native to the Moruga areas of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Sting of a Scorpion Takes Its Time
These blazing hot chili peppers have a remarkably fruity flavor. That’s not unusual for chili peppers, but this is distinctively fruity.
The chili pepper itself looks rather like a Carolina reaper without the spiky tail the latter is associated with. Instead, this pepper has a rounded bottom. But, it’s just as wrinkly and irritated in its appearance.
And then there is the heat to consider. The scorpion’s sting isn’t apparent when you place this pepper in your mouth. You may even be tempted to take another few bites before you realize what’s happening. This heat builds, slowly whipping up a storm as you move ever closer to a panic.
Tread Lightly, Scorpions Are Vicious!
No really. You don’t want to make the mistake of tossing too many of these peppers into your mouth. Indeed, you will probably need to avoid one unless you have serious practice. That boils down to the fact that they could make your mouth boil. Well, they could make you blister. It’s your body’s physical response to the perceived heat. In an effort to avoid you absorbing too much fire, your body develops blister sacs of moisture. And that will hurt worse than the chili peppers themselves.
So be careful.
Really.
And, if you’re up for it, tread lightly. The sting of a scorpion is more than you can imagine.
