The man behind the Carolina Reaper, once the world’s most hottest pepper, Ed Currie‘s passion for pushing the limits of spiciness has driven him to break his own records with another creation, Pepper X.
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Ed Currie‘s relationship with peppers started as a side interest, eventually developing into a full-time venture.
He was not content with ordinary peppers; he aimed to create a pepper that could deliver an “immediate, brutal heat.”
This journey drove him to develop the Carolina Reaper, a pepper that once held the title of the world’s hottest. But Currie didn’t stop there; he had bigger ambitions in mind.
Pepper X’s journey to turning into the world’s most hottest pepper started years ago. Ed Currie crossbred some of his hottest peppers to increase their capsaicin content.
The Scoville Heat Units (SHU) of a pepper indicate its spiciness, with Pepper X rating at an average of 2,693,000 SHU.
This shocking degree of spiciness is three times hotter than the Carolina Reaper, the former record-holder.
Understanding the Scoville scale is essential in grasping the spiciness of peppers. Pharmacologist Wilbur Scoville developed this scale in 1912 to measure the concentration of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the burning sensation in peppers.
For comparison, a regular jalapeno pepper ranks between 3,000 to 8,000 SHU, a habanero at 100,000 to 350,000 SHU, and the Carolina Reaper averages 1.64 million SHU. Pepper X’s 2.69 million SHU rating is a testament to its unmatched spiciness.
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Pepper X’s outside is greenish-yellow, making it distinct from the bright red Carolina Reaper. Unlike the sweet and spicy flavor of the Reaper, Pepper X boasts an earthy flavor profile.
This unique combination of heat and taste results from its crossbreeding with a Carolina Reaper and an enigmatic “brutally hot” pepper from Michigan.
Capsaicin, the chemical compound found in peppers, is the cause of the burning sensation experienced when consuming spicy foods.
While it’s not dangerous unless consumed in large quantities, our bodies perceive it as a threat, triggering a powerful burning signal.
This response releases endorphins and dopamine, providing a natural high, a sensation that Ed Currie has come to appreciate.
Ed Currie’s journey into growing super-hot peppers was fueled by his personal transformation. Overcoming substance abuse addictions, he turned to peppers as a source of inspiration.
He believes that these fiery creations could have potential medical applications for treating chronic pain and discomfort, making them more than just culinary novelties.
Ed Currie’s endeavors go beyond creating spicy peppers. He has also ventured into building an empire of hot pepper sauces through his company, PuckerButt.
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While the Carolina Reaper gained significant attention, much of it did not translate into substantial profits. This experience taught Currie valuable business lessons, leading him to protect Pepper X from unauthorized use and exploitation.
Unlike the Carolina Reaper, where many unauthorized products flooded the market, Currie is determined to protect Pepper X.
He has made it clear that no seeds will be released until he is certain that his family, employees, and their families can fully reap the rewards of his work.
This commitment ensures that the benefits of his labor are shared with those who have supported him. Currie’s journey doesn’t end with Pepper X.
He has hinted at the possibility of creating even hotter pepper hybrids in the future. His passion for pushing the boundaries of spiciness remains undiminished, and he believes that there is more to come from his fields, labs, and chillers.
As the creator of Pepper X, Ed Currie has not only set a new standard for spiciness but also protected his creation from potential theft.
While he allowed others to grow the Carolina Reaper without stringent intellectual property protection, he has taken a different approach with Pepper X.
He has made it clear that no seeds will be released until he is certain that his family, workers, and their families can fully benefit from his hard work.
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