How hot is Chocolate Apocalypse?

Capsi’s sourced range is 1,000,000–2,200,000 SHU (Vendor Claim). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat

How do I grow Chocolate Apocalypse?

Chocolate Apocalypse: about 90 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.

What can I substitute for Chocolate Apocalypse?

Capsi does not have that recorded yet.

Chocolate Apocalypse (Apocalypse Scorpion Chocolate)

Also known as Apocalypse Scorpion Chocolate · Apocalypse Chocolate · Chocolate Apocalypse Scorpion · Apocalypse Chocolate Scorpion

Chocolate Apocalypse is a superhot Capsicum chinense cultivar developed in Italy in 2015 as the chocolate version of the Apocalypse Scorpion. Plants grow 36-48 inches tall and are highly productive.

About 60 times a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU typical).

Growing

~90 days to maturity

Fruit size

5–8 cm

Flavor & Use

Smoky with a hint of sweetness and floral undertones; a rich flavor emerges behind the extreme heat.

smokysweetfloral

Culinary

freshpicklingsalsashot saucesseasoning powdersflakes

About

The Chocolate Apocalypse pepper, scientifically known as Capsicum chinense, is a striking superhot variety developed in Italy around 2015 by local growers. It serves as the chocolate-colored counterpart to the red Apocalypse Scorpion. The fruits are elongated, about 3 inches in length, with a wrinkled, bumpy surface reminiscent of habaneros but featuring the signature scorpion stinger tail. Immature pods start green and ripen to a deep chocolate brown. The flavor profile includes smoky notes with hints of sweetness and floral qualities that become apparent after the initial fiery sensation. These peppers are versatile in the kitchen, ideal for crafting potent hot sauces, salsas, pickles, and dried seasonings. The plants are robust, reaching heights of 36 to 48 inches, with green stems and white flowers, and they offer high yields under full sun conditions in well-drained, fertile soil. Suitable for a broad range of growing zones, this open-pollinated variety requires patience during germination but rewards with prolific production. Gardeners appreciate its unique appearance and formidable heat for both culinary experiments and ornamental value in the garden.

Backstory

Developed in 2015 by members of the AIASP (Italian pepper growers association) as the chocolate-colored variant of the Apocalypse Scorpion pepper, known for its intense heat and unique appearance.

Appearance

ShapeWrinkled habanero with scorpion tail

ColorGreen · Chocolate brown

Size5–8 cm

WallMedium

SkinWrinkled

Growing

SunFull

WaterModerate

ClimateSubtropical

Days to maturity90 days

Plant height90–150 cm

Soil pH6–7

Germination14–28 days

Spacing60 cm

HardinessZones 9-11

Heritage

Explore

We don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.

Sources

FAQ

How hot is Chocolate Apocalypse?: Capsi’s sourced range is 1,000,000–2,200,000 SHU (Vendor Claim). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat
What does Chocolate Apocalypse taste like?: Smoky with a hint of sweetness and floral undertones; a rich flavor emerges behind the extreme heat.
How do I grow Chocolate Apocalypse?: Chocolate Apocalypse: about 90 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
What can I substitute for Chocolate Apocalypse?: Capsi does not have that recorded yet.