Ghost Pepper
Also known as Bhut Jolokia · Bhut Jolokia Pepper · Ghost Chile · Naga Jolokia · Umorok
The Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) is one of the original superhot chilies, once the hottest pepper in the world. It is famous for its extreme heat combined with a surprising sweet, fruity flavor that lingers long after the burn.
About 40 times a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU typical).
Growing
~150 days to maturity
Fruit size
6–8.5 cm
Flavor & Use
Surprisingly sweet and fruity with strong floral and tropical notes (mango, pineapple) underneath the extreme heat. The burn is fierce and long-lasting, but the flavor remains complex and pleasant.
Culinary
About
Ghost peppers are small-to-medium (2–3 inches), wrinkled, and lantern-shaped with thin but juicy walls. They ripen from green to a vibrant bright red or orange-red.
Backstory
Originating in the Assam region of India, the Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) was once the hottest pepper on Earth and held the Guinness World Record from 2007 until 2013. “Bhut” means “ghost” in Assamese, referring to the intense, lingering burn that “haunts” you. It remains a favorite among superhot enthusiasts for its complex fruity sweetness despite the extreme heat.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExploreGhost Pepper is a traditional landrace.
Peppers bred from Ghost Pepper
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is Ghost Pepper?
- Capsi’s sourced range is 143,125–1,938,089 SHU (Lab-verified). 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 Ghost Pepper taste like?
- Surprisingly sweet and fruity with strong floral and tropical notes (mango, pineapple) underneath the extreme heat. The burn is fierce and long-lasting, but the flavor remains complex and pleasant.
- How do I grow Ghost Pepper?
- Ghost Pepper: about 150 days to maturity, tropical humid, long season climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
- What can I substitute for Ghost Pepper?
- Trinidad Scorpion, Carolina Reaper