Carolini

Carolini, also known as Carolina Reaper, is a cultivar of the chili pepper plant Capsicum chinense. It was developed by Ed Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company in South Carolina, USA. In 2013, the Guinness World Records recognized it as the hottest chili pepper in the world, with an average Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of 1,569,300. Individual peppers have been recorded at over 2.2 million SHU.

The Carolina Reaper is characterized by its wrinkled, bumpy skin and a distinctive tail-like appendage. Its flavor is often described as fruity and sweet, with a delayed, intense heat that lingers for a significant period. Due to its extreme pungency, it is primarily used in hot sauces, spice blends, and as a novelty item for chili pepper enthusiasts. Consumption can lead to intense pain, sweating, and other adverse reactions.

Growing the Carolina Reaper requires specific conditions, including warm temperatures, ample sunlight, and well-draining soil. The plants are typically grown from seeds and can take several months to mature and produce fruit. The cultivation and handling of this pepper should be done with extreme caution, often requiring gloves and eye protection to avoid skin and eye irritation. Its popularity has surged in recent years, contributing to the growing market for extremely spicy food products.