What Was the Hottest Pepper in the World in 2017
In 2017, the generally accepted hottest pepper widely recognized by growers, seed vendors, and testing labs was the Carolina Reaper, developed by Ed Currie of the PuckerButt Pepper Company. During this period, the Carolina Reaper consistently showed average Scoville Heat Units (SHU) in the range of 1,400,000–1,650,000, with hot individual fruits reaching above 2.0 million SHU in tests. Other very hot cultivars and contenders around that time included the Trinidad Scorpion Butch T, Moruga Scorpion, and Naga Viper, yet the reigning champion in peer-reviewed and seed-company testing in 2017 remained the Carolina Reaper.
Key Metrics and Verification
Heat in chili peppers is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), originally developed using human taste testers and later largely replaced by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for reliable quantitative results. When reporting hottest pepper records, it is important to differentiate between single-fruit peaks and average fruit measurements, and to rely on verified testing instead of isolated anecdotal claims. The following table summarizes commonly cited varieties and verified records relevant to the 2017 timeframe.
| Pepper Variety | Average Scoville Range or Record (SHU) | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Reaper | 1,400,000–1,650,000 average; some fruits above 2,000,000 | Peer-reviewed tests and seed-company data 2016–2017 | Academic and industry |
| Trinidad Scorpion Butch T | 1,000,000–1,300,000 | Laboratory testing and breeder reports | Independent labs |
| Moruga Scorpion | 1,000,000–1,200,000 | Published cultivar trials | Academic |
| Naga Viper | 1,000,000–1,300,000 | Controlled tests reported 2011–2012 | Laboratory and breeder data |
Definitions and Context
When discussing hot peppers, several terms recur in credible reports: Scoville Heat Units (SHU), capsaicin concentration, fruit mean versus peak, and verified testing methods. In 2017, the Carolina Reaper was the only variety with multiple peer-reviewed and commercial test results placing it clearly above all others in average fruit heat. Earlier record holders, such as the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, remained very hot but fell short of the Carolina Reaper in contemporaneous testing.
Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
SHU is a standardized measure of capsaicin concentration originally based on human sensory panels and now commonly measured via HPLC, with calibration against a reference standard. Higher SHU numbers correspond to hotter perceived heat, though individual tolerance and chemical composition (including compounds beyond capsaicin) affect the experience.
Single Fruit Peaks vs. Typical Performance
Some reports highlight single fruits tested at extraordinarily high SHU. While useful for breeding benchmarks, these peak values are less representative of typical plant performance. Average fruit heat and reproducibility across plants are more reliable indicators of a cultivar's standing.
Background on Breeding and Notable Cultivars
By the mid-2010s, selective breeding had pushed pepper heat beyond 1 million SHU, and several cultivars claimed top spots. The Carolina Reaper, a hybrid stabilized by Ed Currie, was developed in South Carolina and gained rapid recognition after consistent testing in 2015 and 2016. During 2017, breeders and labs commonly cited the Carolina Reaper as the hottest verified pepper. Important cultivars from this period include:
- Carolina Reaper — bred by Ed Currie, PuckerButt Pepper Company; widely verified as the hottest in 2016–2017.
- Trinidad Scorpion Butch T — one of the hottest scorpions available in seed trade during this period.
- Moruga Scorpion — distinct Caribbean heritage and high, consistent heat.
- Naga Viper — a claimed hybrid with very high early tests, but less consistent long-term performance.
Measurement Practices and Caveats
Reputable testing relies on HPLC with strict sample handling to minimize variation. When comparing hottest pepper claims, it is important to review the sample size, testing method, and whether results represent average fruit or extreme outliers. Growers and testers recommend considering average fruit performance over time, not only single outlier fruits, to understand true cultivar heat.
Availability and Growing Notes (2017)
During 2017, Carolina Reaper seeds were commercially available from multiple specialty seed companies, though production was limited and the plants required warm conditions and steady care. Successive years saw more growers offering Carolina Reaper plants and fruit, increasing access, but seed availability and successful cultivation remained restricted to experienced pepper enthusiasts in many regions.
Reliable Sources and Plants to Watch
For reliably verified hot pepper data, consult peer-reviewed agricultural publications, university extension resources, and testing laboratories that measure capsaicin via HPLC. Seed companies that provide test summaries and lot-level data also improve transparency. Breeders continue to develop new lines, so the landscape can evolve, but as of 2017, the Carolina Reaper was the most consistently verified hottest pepper in the world.
Summary
Throughout 2017, the Carolina Reaper held the top position as the hottest pepper with strong, repeatable testing backing its average heat well above 1 million SHU. While other contenders such as the Trinidad Scorpion Butch T and Moruga Scorpion remained very hot, they did not surpass the Carolina Reaper in verified performance. Understanding the differences between peak and average fruit heat, and relying on HPLC-tested data, helps distinguish genuine records from anecdotal claims.