Wondering how Pepper X's heat was tested?
How was Pepper X's heat tested? For crowning Pepper X as the new hottest pepper in the world in 2023, we were curious if Guinness World Records used the new capsaicin-testing devices (like The ChilliPot) to do the test or if they used the standard Scoville tasting panel to determine the number of Scovilles. The standard Scoville panel test determines the amount of Scovilles based on the measure of the degree of dilution at which the pepper's capsaicin becomes undetectable by a non-capsaicin habituated person.
But, this original Scoville testing process definitely seems subjective based on the people on the tasting panel. We found out that Pepper X's score of 2,693,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) was calculated more scientifically by using a chemistry method by Winthrop University in South Carolina.
We found this out as we wrote the Winthrop University in South Carolina to ask how the testing was done, they said they had determined the Scovilles of Pepper X by:
“Using liquid chromatography and a standardized method called AOAC 995.03. AOAC is short for "association of official analytical chemists." The method has been around for over 30 years. AOAC is a non-profit that compiles many, many methods of chemical analysis. Primarily started out with agricultural samples.”
So there you have it!
Guinness World Records has officially declared Pepper X as the World's Hottest Pepper as of August 23, 2023.
Can you grow Pepper X Seeds?
Nope, not yet. The breeder Ed Currie is not selling seeds, only products such as hot sauces made from Pepper X. Read more about Pepper X »
