Turn Up the Heat

Spicy food is known to get addictive, with each tantalizing taste keeping you coming back for more. That being said, there's a fine line between a subtle sizzle and a tongue on fire. Here are 20 peppers you might want to think twice about before eating.

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20. Jalapeno Pepper - 4,000  to 8,500 SHU

Now I know what you're thinking—there's no way a jalapeno is one of the hottest peppers—and you're right, it doesn't compare to any of the contenders on this list. But a jalapeno is a great starting point at 8,500 Scoville heat units. These units are scientifically used to measure the concentration of capsaicin in a chili—the source of the pepper's fiery power! 

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19. Hot Cayenne Pepper - 50,000 SHU

For a lot of people, jumping up to a cayenne pepper is comfortable enough. Twelve times hotter than the average jalapeno, cayenne peppers originate from French Guiana and are commonly used as a dry chili topping on pizza.

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18. Tabasco Hot Pepper - 50,000 SHU

Another safe choice is the commonly-consumed 50,000 SHU tabasco hot pepper, which is mainly grown in Mexico and used in—yep, you guessed it—tabasco sauce. The perfect partner to fried eggs or a hamburger, tabasco is a great way to heat things up without going too crazy.

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17. Red Hot Chili Pepper - 50,000 SHU

Unlike the band, the classic red chili pepper often sits at 50,000 SHU but has been reported to go as high as 350,000 SHU. This is quite a jump, but despite the spiciness, the pepper is often consumed raw or roasted. Not only does it lend any sauce or dish a fiery flavor profile but it is also surprisingly good for your health.

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16. Red Savina Habanero - 500,000 SHU

If you're unsure about what comes next, the red Savina habanero is the perfect middle ground to test your palate. If you can stand this small, plump, and incredibly spicy pepper, then you just might have what it takes to tackle the big baddies on this list.

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15. 7 Pot Barrackpore - 1,000,000 SHU

Skyrocketing to a million Scoville, the 7 pot Barrackpore is part of the 7 pot peppers family—which is considered an integral part of the "super hots." Originating from Barrackpore, Trinidad, what sets this pepper apart is its conical shape and fruity aftertaste. For reference, the 7 pot Barrackpore is 520 times hotter than the average jalapeno.

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14. Ghost Pepper 1,041,427 SHU

Many people have heard of the ghost pepper. After all, this notoriously spicy red pepper has made its way into some Popeye collaborations—so really, how spicy can it be? Well, boasting over a million Scoville, Popeyes doesn't do the pepper justice. To really experience the spice, opt for an artisan hot sauce.

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13. Infinity Pepper - 1,158,643 SHU

Unlike a lot of tropical and subtropical peppers, the infinity pepper was bred in England. It has a small, shriveled-up shape, but is known to pack quite a punch. In 2011, this pepper briefly held the record for the world's hottest pepper.

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12. 7 Pot Brain Strain - 1,175,000 SHU

Another member of the 7 pot family, this pepper gets its fun name due to the brain-like texture of its outer shell. Despite the shape, the taste is exactly as you expect if what you expect is it setting your tongue on fire. Aside from the slow-burning heat, the pepper is also known for its surprisingly fruity flavor.

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11. Naga Morich - 1,250,000 SHU

This super hot originates in Bangladesh and India and is quite similar to the ghost pepper. When it comes to flavor though, it's known for its woody, smoky, and slightly tart taste, making it a strong contender for barbeque night. Just make sure you warn your friends about what they're getting into.

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10. Dorset Naga - 1,2999,114 SHU

This small and unassuming pepper may not look like much, but it officially puts us in the top 10 spiciest peppers in the world. Surprisingly, it does well in soups and stews and is a key factor in the hottest hot sauces around.

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9. Naga Viper - 1,349,000 SHU

As you move through this list, you'll find the names start to sound more and more intimidating. The Naga viper also briefly held the title of the world's hottest chili in 2011, surpassing the infinity pepper before losing the title itself. Also created in England, the viper is known to start with a sweet burst before the spice sets in.

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8. Trinidad Scorpion 1,463,700 SHU

It doesn't take a genius to guess where this pepper is from. Similar looking to the pot brain strain—what sets the scorpion aside is its fruit-like start. But be careful, this unsuspecting pepper will lull you into a false sense of security with the first few bites before the burning takes over. At that point, make sure you have a jug of milk at hand.

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7. 7 Pot Primo - 1,469,000 SHU

What makes this 7 pot pepper different is its striking stinger-like tail—perhaps an indicator of the stinging heat it packs. If you ever were to grow this pepper, you're better off doing it for the looks rather than the taste—because the taste will certainly have you sweating.

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6. 7 Pot Douglah - 1,853,936 SHU

This is the last 7 pot pepper making an appearance on this list, and it comes at an impressive 1.8 million Scoville, which means it is 232 times hotter than a jalapeno. That is unbelievably spicy. But aside from that, the Douglah also boasts a particular rich brown color, giving it the nickname Chocolate 7 pot.

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5. Komodo Dragon - 1,900,000 SHU

Bringing us to the top 5 is the Komodo dragon pepper, which also originates in the United Kingdom. Unsuspecting and soft in texture, this pepper is bound to take you on a trip—and not one you'll like. In fact, the spice in the Komodo varies, ranging from 175 to 880 times hotter than your average jalapeno.

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4. Trinidad Moruga Scorpion - 2,009,231 SHU

Welcome to the 2 million Scoville club. Starting us off is the Trinidad Moruga scorpion—which is in fact completely different from the regular Trinidad scorpion. What sets the Moruga apart is its unique sweetness. But be careful, this is one of the four spiciest peppers in the world, and you will certainly feel that.

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3. Carolina Reaper - 2,200,000 SHU

Considering the popularity of the Carolina reaper, you have probably heard its name here and there. For a long time, it was the hottest pepper in the world and still has a reputation for side effects. This means eating the reaper may result in sweating, stomach pains, and nausea. Despite this, the reaper is still a popular addition to extra spicy hot sauces.

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2. Pepper X - 2,693,000 SHU

Currently, this is the spiciest pepper in the world, created by the man who made the Carolina Reaper in the first place. Once again, this pepper comes with a few health risks, including intense cramping and heartburn. In terms of spice, it can range from 336 to a whopping 1077 times hotter than a jalapeno. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, then consider purchasing the "Last Dab: Xperience" hot sauce from the famed web series Hot Ones, as the sauce is a terrifying 91% pepper X.

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1. Pure Capsaicin - 16,000,00 SHU

While not a pepper, capsaicin is the component that gives all peppers their spice. So, it comes as no surprise that the hottest substance on Earth is capsaicin in its purest form. Those who have risked consuming a diluted liquid drop of the compound report extreme burning in their mouths and throats. Which is why this is something you should never try.

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