Orange Ghost
Also known as Orange Bhut Jolokia · Orange Ghost Pepper · Bhut Jolokia Orange · Tasmanian Ghost Pepper
The Orange Ghost is a vibrant orange color variant of the Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper), a Capsicum chinense superhot from Northeast India. It delivers the classic intense heat of roughly 855,000–1,041,427 SHU with a more pronounced citrusy, fruity flavor and is noted as one of the most prolific Ghost types.
About 44 times a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU typical).
Growing
~120 days to maturity
Fruit size
5–8 cm
Flavor & Use
Citrusy and fruity with sweet undertones and classic Naga character; the citrus is more pronounced than in the red Ghost, with heat that builds over several minutes after the first bite.
Culinary
About
Pods of the Orange Ghost measure 5–8 cm long, conical and pendant-shaped, tapering to a point, often with smoother, shinier skin than the red form and resembling elongated habaneros. They ripen from green to a bold orange. Plants grow 60–120 cm tall, thrive in full sun and warm conditions, and require a long season of roughly 110–150 days to maturity. The heat builds gradually after the first bite, making gloves and caution essential. Ideal for hot sauces, powders, and extreme cooking where a little goes a long way.
Backstory
A selected color form of the legendary Bhut Jolokia from Assam and surrounding regions of Northeast India, which was certified by Guinness as the world's hottest pepper from 2007 until overtaken by Trinidad Scorpions and the Carolina Reaper. Orange variants arose in cultivation for their striking color, prolific yields, and enhanced citrus notes while retaining the signature creeping heat.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExploreWe don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is Orange Ghost?
- Capsi’s sourced range is 800,000–1,499,999 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 Orange Ghost taste like?
- Citrusy and fruity with sweet undertones and classic Naga character; the citrus is more pronounced than in the red Ghost, with heat that builds over several minutes after the first bite.
- How do I grow Orange Ghost?
- Orange Ghost: about 120 days to maturity, tropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
- What can I substitute for Orange Ghost?
- Capsi does not have that recorded yet.