The Guinness World Records has now recognized Pepper X as the world's spiciest chili pepper, surpassing the Carolina Reaper's decade-long reign.
To put it in perspective, while a habanero pepper usually measures around 100,000 Scoville heat units, Pepper X boasts an impressive 2.69 million units.
Pepper X dethrones Carolina Reaper as world’s hottest chilli pepper ????️ https://t.co/2B8gByrAnx
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) October 16, 2023
Both these record-setting peppers are the brainchild of breeder and farmer Ed Currie.
However, Pepper X seeds and pods will remain exclusive as they won't be up for sale.
Mr. Currie spent ten years nurturing Pepper X on his farm in South Carolina, keeping details of his endeavor under wraps to safeguard his intellectual rights.
"This was a team effort," the appropriately named Mr Currie said in a statement. "We knew we had something special, so I only let a few of my closest family and friends know what was really going on."
During laboratory tests at Winthrop University in South Carolina, Pepper X achieved an astounding average of 2,693,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This heat level surpasses the Carolina Reaper, Mr. Currie's earlier creation, which averaged 1,641,183 SHU.
The Scoville Scale, a measure of a pepper's spiciness, was devised in 1912 by pharmacist Wilbur Scoville. It evaluates the dilution required for capsaicin – the chemical responsible for the fiery sensation in peppers that can trigger a release of dopamine and endorphins in humans.
Having battled and conquered drug and alcohol dependencies, Mr. Currie took up pepper cultivation as a pastime, noting its natural euphoric effects.
Contrary to popular belief, the heat in peppers doesn't primarily emanate from their seeds. Instead, it's the placenta, the tissue housing the seeds, that contains the capsaicin. The unique shape of Pepper X, with its curves and ridges, provides an expanded surface area for the placenta, thereby enhancing its spiciness, as noted by the Guinness World Records.
Remarkably, Mr. Currie is among an exclusive group of just five individuals who have consumed an entire Pepper X.
"I was feeling the heat for three and a half hours. Then the cramps came," Mr Currie said to the Associated Press.
"Those cramps are horrible. I was laid out flat on a marble wall for approximately an hour in the rain, groaning in pain."
To safeguard his intellectual property and ensure profitability, Pepper X pods and seeds will remain exclusive and not be available for purchase. The sole avenue to experience the heat of Pepper X will be through select hot sauces available for sale.
Trending Political News
Arnold Schwarzenegger Tees Off on Democrats: They 'want to f--- up every city in America'
Arnold Schwarzenegger stated that Democrats want to "f--- up every city in America" during a recent appearance on SiriusXM's "Literally! With Rob Lowe".
The conversation was sparked when Lowe, seeking to understand political identities, asked the 76-year-old "Terminator" actor and ex-Republican governor of California about the essence of being a Republican versus being a Democrat.
People Buzzing About Costco Knock-Off of Fan Favorite Food Court
Skechers might soon gain fame for more than just footwear, as a California-based store introduced its own concession stand reminiscent of Costco — and it's a hit with the crowds.
The "Food Spot" by the warehouse shoe brand, situated in a Gardena store, is a raised outdoor dining area that sees customers forming queues around the premises, eager to take a respite from their shopping spree. The menu boasts items like hotdogs, burgers, churros, and even pizza, among others.
Ted Cruz Makes Bold Prediction About Who the Democrats Will 'Parachute' in to Push Out Joe Biden
On Monday, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas speculated that the Democratic Party might nominate former First Lady Michelle Obama as their presidential candidate in 2024, as a replacement for President Joe Biden.
“Here’s the scenario that I think is perhaps the most likely and most dangerous,” Cruz said on his “Verdict with Ted Cruz” podcast. “In August of 2024, the Democrat kingmakers jettison Joe Biden and parachute in Michelle Obama.”
High School Students Make a Stand Against Transgender Bathroom Rule
Numerous students from Pennsylvania's Perkiomen Valley School District staged a walkout on Friday due to the school board's decision not to implement a policy that mandates transgender students to use bathrooms that align with their birth-assigned sex.
"Kids were upset. Girls… we wanted to protect them. They were upset. They didn't want men in their bathroom," shared John Ott, the walkout's orchestrator, with FOX News on Monday.
James Woods Warns Bank Exec He Better 'Come in Heavy' After Threats to Seize Property
Famed actor James Woods confronted JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon with a warning to “come in heavy” in a tweet shared on September 19.
Many have criticized Dimon for his recommendation that the U.S. Government and environmentally-aware companies should take over citizen-owned assets to further their climate actions. In his yearly message to stakeholders, the JP Morgan CEO showed his support for this exclusive strategy. Yet, Woods is not standing by silently.
Walmart Dessert Pulled Because of Label's Potentially Deadly Consequences
Walmart stores across the country are recalling certain cake slices due to an undisclosed allergen, presenting potential health dangers for some consumers, as advised by federal health authorities.
David's Cookies initiated a recall when they discovered that 960 of its Marketside Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake slices were mistakenly labeled as Marketside Chocolate Chip Explosion Cake slices, as per the statement from the FDA.