Scorpion Pepper

The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion (Capsicum chinense) originates from the Moruga district of Trinidad and Tobago and was identified as the world's hottest pepper in 2012 by New Mexico State University's Chile Pepper Institute before being surpassed by later cultivars. The rounded pods, roughly 5–6 cm across, are deeply wrinkled with a distinctive tail-like stinger tip, and ripen to a vivid red; flavor combines intense fruity heat with a brief sweet note before the extreme burn sets in. It is used in very small quantities in superhot hot sauces, spice powders, and specialty culinary applications.

Days to maturity

90–150 days

Plant height

90–120 cm (3–4 ft)

Best use

Superhot sauces, small-batch spice

Species

Capsicum chinense

Origin

Trinidad and Tobago (Moruga district)