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Pepper - Bhut Jolokia 'Ghost'
Capsicum Chinense
18 - 24" (46 - 61 cm)
2 - 3' (0.6 - 0.9 m)
11-12
Annual
Full Sun
Keep Well Watered
Fertile, Well Drained Soil
Bhut Jolokia, commonly known as the Ghost Pepper, is a highly renowned chili pepper variety famous for its extreme heat and distinctive appearance. Originating from the Assam region of India, it gained widespread recognition for its exceptional spiciness, earning the title of one of the hottest peppers globally.
Measuring between 800,000 to over 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), the Bhut Jolokia pepper held the Guinness World Record for the world's hottest chili pepper for some time. However, several even hotter varieties have since surpassed it, but it still remains exceptionally spicy, significantly hotter than many well-known peppers like habaneros or jalapeƱos.
The Ghost Pepper's appearance is notable for its wrinkled, elongated shape, often resembling a small, red, or orange lantern. However, it can also appear in various colors, including yellow, peach, and even chocolate brown. The pepper's thin, bumpy skin houses a significant amount of capsaicin, the compound responsible for its fiery heat.
Due to its scorching heat, Bhut Jolokia peppers are used sparingly in culinary applications. They are occasionally added in small amounts to intensely spicy dishes, hot sauces, salsas, and marinades, where they provide an immediate and intense heat that can linger for a prolonged period.