The world of chili enthusiasts and aficionados has been set ablaze with the introduction of Pepper X, a pepper so hot that it has shattered previous records and set a new benchmark in the world of spicy foods. Ed Currie, a South Carolina-based hot pepper expert, is the mastermind behind this fiery creation. Currie, who previously held the record with his Carolina Reaper, has outdone himself with Pepper X, a pepper that's not just hot but three times hotter than its predecessor.
On October 9th, the Guinness Book of World Records officially recognized Pepper X as the hottest pepper in the world, dethroning the Carolina Reaper. Currie's journey to create the ultimate hot pepper has spanned over a decade, with the aim of delivering a pepper that provides "immediate, brutal heat." His efforts have certainly paid off, but not without some personal discomfort. Recounting his first experience with Pepper X, Currie described feeling the intense heat for over three hours, followed by excruciating cramps that left him incapacitated for an hour.
To put the heat of Pepper X into perspective, peppers are measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). A regular jalapeno pepper, for instance, registers about 5,000 SHU. The Carolina Reaper, Currie's previous record-holder, is listed at 1.64 million SHU by the Guinness Book of World Records. Pepper X, on the other hand, boasts an average of 2.69 million SHU. This level of heat surpasses even that of pepper sprays used by police, which typically measure around 1.6 million SHU.
The creation of Pepper X was no accident. It's the result of meticulous crossbreeding, with Currie combining the Carolina Reaper with another extremely hot pepper from Michigan. The chemical responsible for the burning sensation in peppers is capsaicin. While it's not inherently dangerous, the human brain perceives it as a threat, triggering a burning sensation. This reaction doesn't occur in birds, allowing them to spread pepper seeds without harm.
For many, the allure of hot peppers goes beyond the initial burn. The body's response to capsaicin includes the release of endorphins and dopamine, providing a natural high. Currie, who overcame drug and alcohol addictions, views the rush from peppers as a healthier alternative. He collaborates with medical researchers, hoping that peppers can be used in treatments for chronic pain and other ailments.
Protecting his intellectual property has become a priority for Currie. With the Carolina Reaper, he faced challenges as over 10,000 products used its name or other intellectual property without permission. With Pepper X, Currie is taking no chances. He has no plans to release its seeds until he's certain that his family and employees can benefit from his hard work.
Currie's passion for peppers is evident in his endeavors. Apart from breeding record-breaking peppers, he's also the founder of PuckerButt, a company that produces a range of hot sauces. He sells his peppers to companies globally and is always on the lookout for the next big thing in the world of chilies. As for Pepper X, Currie hints that this might not be the pinnacle of his achievements. With a twinkle in his eye, he suggests that there's more heat on the horizon.
