Pepper X took over the title of the world’s hottest chili pepper in 2023, officially recognized by Guinness World Records after extensive laboratory testing. Developed by legendary pepper breeder Ed Currie of the Puckerbutt Pepper Company, this extreme pepper surpassed the long-reigning Carolina Reaper and reset the upper limit of chili heat.
With verified Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) measurements averaging 2,693,000 SHUs, Pepper X represents the peak of selective breeding, capsaicinoid concentration, and scientific heat testing.
Below, we break down what Pepper X is, how hot it really is, what it looks and tastes like, and how it compares to other record-holding peppers.
What Is Pepper X?
Pepper X is a super-hot chili pepper bred by Ed Currie, the same grower responsible for the Carolina Reaper. While the name “Pepper X” began as a placeholder during development and trademarking, it ultimately became the official name once the pepper was publicly revealed.
Unlike many experimental peppers, Pepper X was stabilized for over a decade before being submitted for official testing. This long development period ensured consistent traits, reliable heat measurements, and repeatable results, all requirements for Guinness World Records certification.
Pepper X is not a novelty pepper. It represents years of intentional breeding focused on maximizing capsaicinoid content while maintaining plant stability.
What Does Pepper X Look Like?
Pepper X shares several visual traits with other extreme super-hot peppers, particularly the Carolina Reaper:
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Bulbous, irregular shape
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Deeply wrinkled, bumpy skin
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Short, stubby tails (though shapes can vary)
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Yellow-green to pale green coloration when ripe
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Pods typically grow 2–3 inches long
The heavily lobed surface isn’t just cosmetic. These folds and ridges allow for increased development of capsaicinoids, the compounds responsible for heat, which are concentrated primarily in the pepper’s placenta rather than the seeds.
What Does Pepper X Taste Like?
Flavor is often secondary with peppers this hot, but Pepper X does have a profile beyond pure heat.
Growers and testers have described Pepper X as having:
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Fruity and floral notes
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Subtle sweetness at first bite
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Earthy undertones beneath the heat
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That said, Pepper X is overwhelmingly intense. The heat arrives quickly, builds aggressively, and lingers far longer than most super-hot peppers. This is not a pepper intended for casual eating.
How Hot Is Pepper X?
Pepper X was officially certified by Guinness World Records in August 2023, with an average heat level of:
🔥 2,693,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHUs)
To earn this title, Pepper X underwent High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) testing at certified laboratories, along with required documentation and independent verification.
Pepper X Heat Compared to Other Peppers
To put its heat into perspective, Pepper X is approximately:
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1,000,000+ SHUs hotter than the Carolina Reaper
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2× hotter than the Naga Viper
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25× hotter than a Habanero
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67× hotter than a Cayenne pepper
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Over 1,000× hotter than a Jalapeño
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Even among super-hots, Pepper X sits in a category of its own.
Pepper X vs. Previous World’s Hottest Peppers
| Pepper | Years Holding Title | SHU Range | Breeder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepper X | 2023–Present | 2,693,000 | Ed Currie |
| Carolina Reaper | 2017–2023 | 1,500,000–2,200,000 | Ed Currie |
| Trinidad Scorpion Butch T | 2011–2013 | 1,463,700 | Butch Taylor |
| Naga Viper | 2011 | 1,382,000 | Gerald Fowler |
| Infinity | 2011 | 1,176,182 | Nick Woods |
| Ghost Pepper | 2007–2011 | 855,000–1,041,427 | Landrace |
| Red Savina Habanero | 1994–2007 | 350,000–577,000 | Frank Garcia |
Can You Buy Pepper X Seeds?
No. Pepper X seeds, plants, and fresh pods are not available for public sale. The variety remains proprietary, and there has been no release to home growers.
However, if you’re interested in growing extreme heat peppers, there are many competitive super-hot varieties available that rank among the hottest peppers in the world.
Explore the World of Super-Hot Peppers
If you want to learn more about how pepper heat is measured, how Scoville ratings work, or how to grow super-hot peppers successfully, explore our Grow With Joe guides for expert, grower-tested advice from seed to harvest.
While Pepper X remains unavailable, you can still experience intense heat by growing proven super-hot varieties right at home.
🌶️ Ready to turn up the heat? Explore our collection of super-hot pepper seeds, live plants, and start growing peppers that bring the fire, no world record required.