Pepper X, diligently cultivated by Ed Currie, the astute founder of Puckerbutt Pepper Company, has earned the distinguished title of the world’s spiciest pepper, as confirmed by Guinness World Records. Thorough assessments at South Carolina’s Winthrop University have revealed an impressive average of 2.69 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU) for Pepper X, surpassing the Carolina Reaper’s previous record of 1.64 million SHU. This achievement is particularly noteworthy when compared to the jalapeño, which typically measures between 3,000 to 8,000 SHU. The Scoville Heat Units scale, established by chemist Wilbur Scoville in 1912, remains the standard for measuring a pepper’s spiciness based on capsaicin concentration.

Both Pepper X and the Carolina Reaper, the former record-holder, are the results of Ed Currie’s unparalleled expertise and tireless labor. However, Pepper X now stands as the unequivocal ruler of the pepper kingdom. Winthrop University’s meticulous trials unveiled Pepper X’s exceptional potency, setting an unprecedented standard for spiciness. This triumph is the culmination of over a decade of relentless crossbreeding efforts, pushing the boundaries of capsaicin content to extraordinary heights. With Pepper X’s fiery kick being a privilege reserved for a chosen few, its recognition as the world’s spiciest pepper is a testament to Currie’s unyielding pursuit of perfection. This resounding victory solidifies the legacy of Puckerbutt Pepper Company, etching its name indelibly in chili pepper history and leaving no room for doubt about Pepper X’s unrivaled heat.