Carolina Reaper: The Complete Guide (1.4M–2.2M SHU)
1.4M–2.2M SHU · fruity and sweet · USA
440x hotter than a jalapeño
Quick Facts
Heat & Flavor Profile
The Carolina Reaper registers 1.4M–2.2M Scoville Heat Units (SHU), placing it in the Super-Hot tier (1M+ SHU). That makes it roughly 440x hotter than a jalapeño.
Flavor notes: fruity and sweet.
Substitutes for Carolina Reaper
Closest match: Trinidad Moruga Scorpion. These peppers share a similar heat range or flavor profile and work well as substitutes in most recipes.
Carolina Reaper vs. Other Peppers
See how the Carolina Reaper stacks up in these detailed side-by-side comparisons.
Data from USDA FoodData Central, the Chile Pepper Institute at NMSU, and USDA Agricultural Research Service. Species classification: C. chinense — based on published botanical taxonomy.