India's Bhut Jolokia chilli has been confirmed as the world's hottest pepper by the Guinness Book of World Records, a US researcher said.
Bhut Jolokia comes in at 1,001,304 Scoville heat units, a measure of hotness for a chilli. It is nearly twice as hot as Red Savina, the variety it replaces as the hottest. By comparison, an average jalapeno measures at about 10,000.
Paul Bosland, a regents professor at New Mexico State University, recalls taking a bite of the chilli pepper and feeling like he was breathing fire. He gulped down a soda, thinking, "That chilli has got to be some kind of record."
The Guinness Book of Records agreed, confirming recently that Bosland had discovered the world's hottest chilli pepper.
The Bhut Jolokia is a naturally occurring hybrid native to the Assam region of northeastern India. A member of the university's Chile Pepper Institute who was visiting India sent its seeds to New Mexico for testing in 2001. The plant does not produce fruit easily, so it took some years to get enough for field testing, Bosland said. He then grew Bhut Jolokia, Red Savina and habanero peppers under controlled settings and found that Bhut Jolokia had significantly higher Scoville ratings. Those findings were confirmed by two independent laboratories.
'Ghost' pepper
The Bhut Jolokia variety has potential as a food additive in the packaged food industry, Bosland said. It could be pickled while green, dehydrated and used as seasoning. Because the heat is so concentrated, food manufacturers would save money because they would use less. The pepper's name translates as ghost chilli, Bosland said.
"We're not sure why they call it that, but I think it's because the chilli is so hot, you give up the ghost when you eat it," he said.
Have your say
Have you tasted “Bhut Jolokia''? Do you think peppers enhance the taste of food? Which is the hottest cuisine in your measure? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.
Your comments
I had never heard before of Bhut Jolokia but reading this I will search it and go for it, as chilli pickle is my favourite pickle. Also, eating chilli is good for men.
Narendra
Dubai,UAE
I have tasted Bhut Jolokia chilli before, it is too hot. In size it is small but one can't finish a single piece.
Nur
Jubial,Saudi Arabia
I am from the part of the world where this chilli is available in plenty. Take a bite ? you would know what it feels like. You would find the burning sensation go down right through your throat. But it does no harm to your system, on the contrary, it is supposed to increase your appetite!
Prasanta
Guwahati,India
I can eat more chillies than anyone in this world! I eat chillies for breakfast! Bring the Bhut Jolokia on!
Ramzi
Dubai,UAE
Yes, myself and a lot of our community members from Assam, residing in Dubai, have tasted Bhut Jolokia. The Bhut Jolokia that I have tasted is in the form of pickles, which can therefore be easily preserved.
D K Borah
Dubai,UAE
I have never tasted Bhut Jolokia. I think the best chilli is the finger chilli we call 'labuyo' in southern Philippines.
Norberto
Cavite,Phillippines
I have never tasted Bhut Jolokia but I want to try it since I just love chilli!
Arjumand
Ajman,UAE
