The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, native to the district of Moruga in Trinidad and Tobago, was identified as the hottest pepper in the world by the Chile Pepper Institute in 2012. It remains one of the hottest peppers in the world, only surpassed by the Carolina Reaper, the current Guinness World Records holder as the hottest pepper that can be grown by the general public. The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper has a much higher heat level compared to more well known hot peppers like the Habanero and Ghost pepper. To put the heat level in perspective, the hottest Ghost pepper will always be milder than the mildest Trinidad Moruga Scorpion. Additionally, the hottest Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper will always be more than twice as hot as the mildest Ghost pepper. Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers average about 1,200,000 to 2,000,000 Scoville Heat Units.
When consuming a Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper, the heat level kicks in immediately and will linger for several minutes. The taste of the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion is described as sweet and fruity. Aside from Hot Pepper Challenges, most people do not eat raw Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers and instead use them to make spicy hot sauces, salsas, and other seasonings. Interestingly, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion is one of the healthiest peppers due to its high level of capsaicin, which is has well-documented health benefits.
There are different colored strains of Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers, including the Chocolate Trinidad Moruga Scorpion and the Yellow Trinidad Moruga Scorpion. The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper is related to several other superhot peppers including the Trinidad Scorpion, Trinidad Scorpion Butch T, Red 7 Pot, Yellow 7 Pot, White 7 Pot, Chocolate 7 Pot, 7 Pot Brain Strain, and 7 Pot Douglah.
