RB003
A brutally hot Australian superhot pepper with exceptional fruity flavor and distinctive gnarly pods.
About 64 times a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU typical).
Growing
~100 days to maturity
Fruit size
5–10 cm
Flavor & Use
Bright citrus up front, floral mid-notes, clean finish with no bitterness.
Culinary
About
RB003 is a superhot Capsicum chinense variety bred by Australian grower Ross Barber. It is a cross between a yellow Carolina Reaper and a 7 Pot Brainstrain. The pods are gnarly, bumpy, and scorpion-like with prominent tails, ripening from lime green to a deep dark red. It offers brutal heat combined with bright citrus, fruity, and floral flavors that make it excellent for hot sauces.
Backstory
Developed by hobbyist breeder Ross Barber in Queensland, Australia, as part of his RB experimental series. A cross of yellow Carolina Reaper (fruit parent) and red 7 Pot Brainstrain (pollen parent). Shared through chili forums and seed trades since the mid-2010s, becoming a favorite among superhot enthusiasts for its heat and flavor balance.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExploreWe don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is RB003?
- 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 RB003 taste like?
- Bright citrus up front, floral mid-notes, clean finish with no bitterness.
- How do I grow RB003?
- RB003: about 100 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
- What can I substitute for RB003?
- Capsi does not have that recorded yet.