Quinton Eats the Red Savina Habanero, a Former World’s Hottest Pepper

🔥 A former world record holder meets a brave Pepper Joe’s staffer.

Watch this Pepper Talk episode as Quinton takes on the legendary Red Savina Habanero, a pepper that once held the title of World’s Hottest Pepper and still packs a serious punch today.

This isn’t just a heat challenge, it’s a bite into pepper history.

👉 Watch the video to see how Quinton handles 500,000+ Scoville Heat Units of pure habanero fire.

About the Red Savina Habanero Pepper

The Red Savina Habanero is one of the most important peppers in modern chili history.

Originally bred in Walnut, California by famed grower Frank Garcia Jr., the Red Savina quickly rose to fame for its intense heat and exceptional flavor. From 1994 to 2006, it held the Guinness World Record for World’s Hottest Pepper, long before the era of super-hots like the Ghost Pepper, Trinidad Scorpion, and Carolina Reaper.

Even today, the Red Savina remains one of the hottest habanero varieties ever recorded.

Red Savina Quick Facts

• • Heat Level: 350,000–500,000+ SHUs

  • Species: Capsicum chinense

  • Origin: California, USA

  • Flavor Profile: Fruity, smoky, slightly sweet with intense heat

  • Former Title: World’s Hottest Pepper (1994–2006)

What Does a Red Savina Habanero Taste Like?

Don’t let the heat fool you, the Red Savina is beloved for its flavor, not just its fire.

Before the burn fully sets in, you’ll notice:

• • Bright fruity notes

  • A subtle smokiness

  • Classic habanero sweetness

That balance of flavor + fire is exactly why pepper lovers still reach for Red Savinas when making:

• • Hot sauces

  • Salsas

  • Pepper mashes

  • Chili powders and flakes

Quinton’s reaction says it all, this pepper delivers immediate intensity with a burn that lingers.

Why the Red Savina Still Matters Today

While newer peppers may surpass it on the Scoville scale, the Red Savina is still:

• • A benchmark for extreme habanero heat

  • A favorite among sauce makers

  • A gateway pepper for growers leveling up into super-hots

It’s also one of the best examples of how selective breeding changed the pepper world forever.

Want to Grow or Cook With the Red Savina?

If watching this video sparked your curiosity, the Red Savina is a rewarding pepper to:

• Grow in the garden starting from seed

• Use fresh or dried

• Turn into bold, flavorful sauces

Just remember: handle with gloves, this pepper means business. Feel free to check out our grow supplies for any stage for your peppers in your home garden!