Bhut Jolokia: The Hottest Pepper in Town

Last week on the

Market Report, Laura Avery and

David Karp talked about the Bhut Jolokia, the hottest pepper you can find in LA. Farmer Phil McGrath has them at his stand at the Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers Market. He warned customers with the words “Hot!!!” Boy, is that an understament. Until recently, this pepper was considered the hottest in the world, according to the

Guinness Book of World Records. That honor now goest to the

Infinity Chile, grown in England.

The way David described it, jalapenos are about 5,000 on the Scoville Scale, which measure the heat of a chile pepper. A Bhut Jolokia is over a million. Here’s a handy chart:

If you end up trying a Bhut Jolokia, let me know how it tastes. Here are some really interesting facts and advice on the pepper – including how to handle it (with gloves). If you, like me, aren’t brave enough to try one yourself, I suggest You Tube where there are tons of videos of people eating Bhut Jolokia peppers.