Peppers, Carolina Reaper - 100 Seed Count

World Record-Holding Heat

The Carolina Reaper holds the Guinness World Record for being the hottest pepper globally and lives up to its reputation with each bite. Reaching heat levels between 1,400,000 and 2,200,000 SHU, this pepper is dangerously hot. To put this into perspective, a jalapeño measures around 2,500 to 8,000 SHU, making the Carolina Reaper hundreds of times hotter. 

Handling this pepper with care and using gloves and protective equipment during harvesting and preparation to avoid contact with the skin or eyes is essential.

Extreme Heat Characteristics:

• Scoville Heat Units: 1,400,000 to 2,200,000+
• Hotter than Ghost Pepper, Scorpion Pepper, and other ultra-hot varieties.
• Handle with care: Gloves and protective eyewear are recommended.

Unique Flavor Profile

Despite its extreme heat, the Carolina Reaper offers a surprisingly complex flavor. Its sweet, fruity taste precedes the heat, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy flavorful heat in their dishes. 

This combination of sweet and spicy makes it a favorite for hot sauce enthusiasts and those who love experimenting with extreme flavors in the kitchen. When used in moderation, the Carolina Reaper can add depth and a unique heat to sauces, salsas, and marinades.

Flavor Notes:

• Sweet and fruity: A surprising initial sweetness that balances the intense heat.
• Versatile: Ideal for hot sauces, spicy dishes, and extreme heat challenges.

Growing Instructions

Growing Carolina Reaper Peppers can be a rewarding challenge for pepper enthusiasts. Like other hot pepper varieties, Carolina Reapers thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunlight. 

If you live in a more excellent region, you can start seeds indoors and transplant them once the weather is warm enough. These peppers prefer well-drained soil enriched with organic matter and require regular watering and feeding to promote healthy growth.

Planting Instructions:

1. Start Indoors: Begin seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
2. Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting trays or pots.
3. Transplant Outdoors: Once outdoor temperatures remain consistently above 60°F, transplant seedlings to a sunny, well-drained location.
4. Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for healthy growth and airflow.
5. Soil: Use nutrient-rich, well-draining soil and consider adding organic compost.
6. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
7. Temperature: Carolina Reapers require warm weather, ideally between 70°F and 95°F, for optimal growth.
8. Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season to support healthy plant development.

Growing Tips:

• Full Sun: Ensure your plants receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Warm Climates: These peppers thrive in warm to hot climates, making them suitable for summer planting.
• Pest Control: Monitor for pests such as aphids or caterpillars and use natural deterrents.

Harvesting Carolina Reapers

Carolina Reaper plants typically mature in 90-100 days after transplanting. When fully ripe, the peppers are small, wrinkled, and typically red, though they can also appear in yellow or other colors depending on the variety.

The signature "tail" at the bottom of each pepper is a distinguishing feature of the Carolina Reaper. When harvesting, it is crucial to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation due to the intense capsaicin levels.

Harvesting Instructions:

• Wait for peppers to ripen to a deep red color for maximum heat fully.
• Use gloves when harvesting to avoid skin contact with the pepper's oils.
• Carefully snip peppers from the plant with garden shears to prevent damaging the plant.

Handling and Safety Tips

Due to the extreme heat of Carolina Reaper Peppers, proper handling is essential. Always use gloves when handling the peppers, whether harvesting, cutting, or preparing them for cooking. 

Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, after handling these peppers, as the capsaicin can cause severe irritation. It's also advisable to work in a well-ventilated area when cutting or cooking the peppers to avoid inhaling capsaicin vapors.

Safety Precautions:

• Gloves: Always wear gloves when handling Carolina Reapers to protect your skin.
• Protective eyewear: Consider using goggles or eyewear if working with large quantities.
• Wash hands: Thoroughly wash hands and any surfaces that come into contact with the peppers.
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid irritation from capsaicin fumes.

Culinary Uses and Challenges

For those who can handle the heat, Carolina Reapers are a favorite among extreme spice enthusiasts. They are commonly used in hot sauces, salsa, chili, and spicy condiments. 

Additionally, due to their unparalleled heat level, they are often used in competitive eating challenges. A little goes a long way with Carolina Reapers, so use them sparingly in recipes to avoid overwhelming the dish.

Popular Uses:

• Hot sauces: Add an intense heat and flavor to sauces.
• Salsas and dips: Great for those who want to spice up their dips.
• Chili and stews: A small amount can bring substantial heat to larger dishes.
• Spice challenges: Used in spicy food competitions and extreme heat challenges.

Final Thoughts

The Carolina Reaper is the ultimate pepper for those who seek the thrill of extreme heat. Known as the hottest pepper in the world, it delivers a potent punch of over 2,000,000 Scoville Heat Units, making it a favorite among both spice enthusiasts and hot sauce creators.

With its surprisingly sweet flavor and intense heat, this pepper is perfect for creating ultra-spicy dishes or pushing the limits in spice challenges. Following the growing and handling instructions, you can enjoy a successful harvest of these fiery peppers in your garden.