Pepper X

Known primarily for its brutal, long-lasting heat with a slower onset compared to some other superhots; also exhibits fruity and floral notes, subtle sweetness at first, earthy undertones. Limited public information exists on complex flavor notes due to its extreme potency.

Pepper X was developed by Ed "Smokin' Ed" Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company in Fort Mill, South Carolina. It is a cross between a Carolina Reaper and another pepper received from a fellow grower. After many years of selective breeding and stabilization, it was officially recognized by Guinness World Records in August 2023 as the new hottest chili pepper in the world, surpassing the Carolina Reaper (which Currie had also created). The pepper is notable for its extremely high capsaicin concentration in the placental tissue and its heavily ridged structure, which increases the surface area for capsaicin production. When Currie tasted it during development, he reportedly experienced intense heat for over three hours.

Pepper X was developed by Ed "Smokin' Ed" Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company in Fort Mill, South Carolina. It is a cross between a Carolina Reaper and another pepper received from a fellow grower. After many years of selective breeding and stabilization, it was officially recognized by Guinness World Records in August 2023 as the new hottest chili pepper in the world, surpassing the Carolina Reaper (which Currie had also created). The pepper is notable for its extremely high capsaicin concentration in the placental tissue and its heavily ridged structure, which increases the surface area for capsaicin production. When Currie tasted it during development, he reportedly experienced intense heat for over three hours.