Carolina Reaper Peppers

$11.95

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Size 1 Oz 2 Oz 4 Oz 8 Oz 16 Oz 1 Kg

Quantity

On the Scoville Heat Scale, the Carolina Reaper pepper has an average Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of 1,641,000 with some individual peppers topping out at an incredible 2,200,000 SHU.

How does one explain just how hot are Carolina Reapers?

The heat hits you instantly, your skin begins to sweat, and the intense pain in your mouth is unbearable. Luckily this pain subsides in about 10 minutes.

Check out our Carolina Reaper Challenge to get an idea of how others cope!

Origins

The Carolina Reaper is a cross between a red Ghost Pepper from Pakistan and a Red Habanero from La Soufriere in the Caribbean. They are two peppers that are both hot in their own right, despite the fact that neither one makes the World’s Hottest Peppers List currently. This pepper was artificially created, although it is not genetically modified. True to its name, the Carolina Reaper was produced in South Carolina, but it was first called the HP22B. Ed Currie is the man behind the first Carolina Reaper.

Appearance

The original Carolina Reaper was red, and this remains the most common color today. However, chocolate, yellow, and peach Carolina Reapers also exist. Even red peppers will start out as green and turn orange before becoming a deep red. Through each three of these phases, the pepper’s flavor and heat will increase. So, if you pick your pepper while it’s still green (and eat it before it turns red), it won’t carry the same pungent heat as a red Carolina Reaper.

Carolina Reapers are squattier and more textured than their ancestors the Red Habanero and Ghost Pepper. If you rub your finger along the pepper’s skin, you’ll feel many small bumps and grooves. Most Carolina Reapers have a long, thin branch at the bottom of the pod, which is known as “the scorpion’s tail”, not to be confused with the Trinidad Scorpion Pepper by name, due to its resemblance to a stinger. These peppers typically have a length of 3/4 inch to 1/2 inches long.

Why buy from us?

Premium quality non-smoked dried Carolina Reaper Peppers, you will taste the difference.
Lightning-fast shipping time, we will ship your order in under 2 business days. Most orders ship the same day or the very next business day.
100% pure, no additives.
Ships in a high-quality sealed resealable stand-up pouch.

The size of the peppers varies, these are estimates, you may get more or less depending on the size of each pepper.

Peppers Per Pouch

1 oz ~ 30-35 peppers
2 oz ~ 60 peppers
4 oz ~ 120 peppers
8 oz ~ 250 peppers
16 oz ~ 550 peppers
1 kg ~ 1100 peppers

Looking for a larger amount?

We offer wholesale discounts on purchases over $500. You can learn about wholesale on our Wholesale Page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carolina Reaper Peppers

How to eat a Carolina Reaper for the first time?

To eat a Carolina Reaper for the first time, ensure you're well-hydrated, have eaten something fatty, and keep milk or antacids handy; wear gloves for safety and choose a safe environment; nibble a small piece, chew it slowly without swallowing immediately; after eating, use dairy to soothe the inevitable burn, not water, and remain calm as the sensation will subside; keep in mind that everyone's tolerance differs and this is more about experiencing extreme heat than for health benefits. One of the best ways to try our pepper products is to make a spicy ranch dip. This simple recipe will allow you to fine-tune how much of any one pepper you can handle without going overboard.

How to prepare for a Carolina Reaper Challenge?

First we will start with what not to do. Do not drink water. What makes peppers hot is capsaicin and it is an oil, oil and water do not mix, you will only spread the capsaicin if you drink water. What you should eat or drink after you have completed the challenge are dairy products containing a high fate content and Casein. This is a protein found in milk that acts as a detergent, binding to the capsaicin molecules. Casein is hydrophilic (water-attracting) and lipophilic (fat-attracting), which allows it to dissolve the capsaicin oils and wash them away from the receptors in your mouth that detect heat.

Can a Carolina Reaper kill you?

Not likely. For a person who is not allergic to fruits, capsaicin, or any of the particular natural chemicals in the pepper, it's highly unlikely that it will kill you. If you have any underlying medical conditions, talk to your doctor before consuming them. Interestingly, the pain you feel is actually limited to mammals. Birds do not have the same pain receptors as mammals and do not even notice the heat, nor do they experience adverse reactions to eating peppers. This is believed to be a design of nature, allowing the birds to eat the peppers and transport the seeds to faraway lands, thus ensuring the survival of the pepper species.

How hot is a Carolina Reaper?

The Carolina Reaper is renowned for its extreme spiciness, typically ranging from 1,569,300 to 2,200,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making it over 200 times hotter than a jalapeño. Its heat comes from high capsaicin content, which can cause intense burning, sweating, and other physical reactions. The sensation lasts significantly longer than with milder peppers due to its potency. While the exact heat can vary, a Carolina Reaper consistently ranks as one of the world's hottest peppers.

What is the most interesting thing about Carolina Reaper Peppers?

The most fascinating aspect of Carolina Reaper peppers is their origin through selective breeding to push the limits of heat, making them not just food but a symbol of culinary extremity. Their development by Ed Currie showcases human innovation in agriculture for the sake of spice. The Reaper has transcended the kitchen to become a cultural icon, inspiring challenges and a unique community of heat-seekers.

What is the record for eating Carolina Reaper Peppers?

The world record for the heaviest amount of Carolina Reaper chili peppers eaten in one minute is 122 grams, set by Fredy Rubio in Portland, Oregon, on August 13, 2023. This record focuses on weight due to the peppers' variable sizes. Another notable record is Mike Jack's, who ate 50 Carolina Reapers in 6 minutes and 49.2 seconds on November 5, 2022, emphasizing speed over quantity.