Carolina Reaper and Ghost Pepper, or Bhut Jolokia, is ranked among the hottest chilli peppers in the world today.
Another relative of the common chilli pepper, the Carolina Reaper from South Carolina, holds the present record for a rating in the Guinness Book of Records, with ratings above 2.2 million SHU.
Famous for the killer kick and natural fruity taste, many love this in boiling sauces and for competitions.
The Ghost Pepper originated from India and was the hottest Pepper in the world until the Reaper came along.
It has an average heat of about 1 million SHU and comes with smoky, earthy heat, which slowly develops.
It is commonly used in Indian food, the pickles category, and, more surprisingly, in pest control.
It is generally agreed that they are both extremely hot, yet the Carolina Reaper chillies produce a faster-burning sensation than the steady, smoky intensity of the Ghost Pepper.
Facing experiences both need to be approached with a lot of care and are most effective if used sparingly.
Difference Between Carolina Reaper And Ghost Pepper
1. Heat Level: Scoville Scale Comparison
The Carolina Reaper currently holds the record for the heaviest chilli pepper; it averages 1.6 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with the highest being 2.2 million SHU.
Its heat stands out, hits instantly, and lasts, making it one of the most fearsome creatures in the chilli kingdom.
The Ghost Pepper is the first to reach one mil SHU, rating an average of 1.04 mil SHU and hitting a high of 1.6 mil SHU. It’s not as hot as the Reaper, but enough to burn your throat, and you could be choking.
Winner: Carolina Reaper (by a significant margin)
2. Flavor Profile:
Originally procured from the Southern USA, the Carolina Reaper chile is hostile in the heat but surprisingly sugar-sweet in flavour.
This sweetness has earned it the reputation of a home for hot sauces, chutneys and spicy desserts.
The flavour of the Ghost Pepper is a bit darker on the darker side of a mild heat equation with a slight tone of sweetness.
Its lovely, balanced taste makes it suitable for seasoning, rubbing meats, marinades, and spicy foods.
Winner: Depends on preference
Choose the Reaper for a fruity, tropical twist.
Opt for the Ghost Pepper if you prefer smokier undertones.
3. Appearance:
The Reaper has a rough, bumpy texture and a sting similar to a scorpion’s tail. It is also red, which is intense and reflects its ‘hot’ image.
The Ghost Pepper is smoother to the touch and has a teardrop shape. It is available in red, orange, and yellow flavours, which makes it suitable to look at. It is not as menacing as the Reaper, though.
Winner: Carolina Reaper (for its iconic look).
4. Origin and History:
Farm grown in South Carolina, USA, by Ed Currie from the PuckerButt Pepper Company, the Carolina Reaper crosses the Ghost Pepper and the Red Habanero. It was specially designed for occasions where temperatures elevate beyond normal.
Originally found in northeastern India, Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur, the Ghost Pepper has been part of the Indian palate and tradition.
Its name, “Bhut Jolokia,” literally means “Ghost Chili” in the Assamese language of northeastern India.
Winner: Ghost Pepper (for its cultural significance)
5. Uses in Cooking:
Because of this, it is commonly used in limited quantities in hot sauces, powders, and challenges.
You can’t use it in normal cooking, but depending on the amount of heat one loves, it could be used daily.
The ghost Pepper is more commonly employed in curries, pickles, and other savoury food preparations of Indian and Southeast Asian origin. Because of its smokiness, it is ideal for barbecue sauces.
Winner: Ghost Pepper (for versatility)
6. Growing Conditions:
It is most effective in tropical and subtropical regions with hot and humid climates and grows ideally in soils that provide good drainage.
It needs proper maintenance and shelter protection from the natural vagaries of climate.
Ghost peppers are tough and can grow well in hot and dry climates worldwide, with slight environmental variations affecting their growth.
Winner: Ghost Pepper (because it is easy to grow).
Conclusion
As a powder, the Ghost Pepper is a super hot one. It can be used for an extra kick of heat and has a great taste in your meals.
Both peppers are exceptional in their own right, but they cater to different levels of spice tolerance and culinary applications.
Whether you’re a heat-seeker or a flavour enthusiast, these chillies will excite your meals!
