Dorset Naga chilli pepper, hottest chili in the world

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Chilli Catalogue > Chilli Pepper Varieties > Dorset Naga chilli

Dorset Naga Chilli Peppers

Dorset Naga Chilli Peppers

The Dorset Naga chilli, an exceptionally hot Scotch Bonnet relative, unofficially holds the accolade for being the hottest variety of chilli pepper in the world. It was originally selected from Naga Morich, a chilli that is highly regarded among Britain's Bangladeshi community and is widely available in shops catering to their culinary needs.

In 2005, Dorset Naga chilli samples were tested by two independent labs in the US to establish its heat level. The average of the two results, measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), was an astounding 923,000 SHU. To put this figure into context, until last year the Guinness World Record for the hottest chilli was held by a Red Savina chilli, measured at 577,000 SHU.

High as these results may be, BBC Gardeners' World has recorded an even higher level. As part of its 2006 programming, the BBC ran a chilli trial looking at several varieties, including Dorset Naga. Heat levels were tested in a British laboratory and the Dorset Naga came in at almost 1,600,000 SHU. Unfortunately very few details about the testing techniques were made available, therefore we cannot verify the rather extreme figure of 1.6 million. This said, the true figure is still likely to be well in excess of one million.

Genuine Dorset Naga chillis are extremely rare and difficult to obtain. Other Naga chillies such as Naga Morich from which Dorset Naga was cultivated and Naga Jolokia can sometimes be found but are never quite as pungent. Dorset Naga based sauces are therefore interesting and unusual and are highly prized by chefs and chilli lovers alike, and make great gifts.

On a serious note, please consume Dorset Naga products with extreme care and keep them away from children and animals. The following products in our range contain Dorset Naga peppers:

Chilli Catalogue > Chilli Pepper Varieties > Dorset Naga chilli