Peppers On The Scoville Scale

The Scoville scale rates the spiciness of peppers through the measurement of capsaicin levels. Created by Wilbur Scoville, the unit of measurement is the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU), and peppers range from 0 SHUs (bell pepper) to over 2 million SHUs (Carolina Reaper).

There are thousands of different pepper varieties around the world, with more being created every year through plant breeding. Thus, pepper heat levels can vary all over the scale.

See our ‘Silly Scoville Scale’ here where we give honest examples of experiencing the different heat levels.

This article gives a general idea of some of the most common pepper varieties and where they fall on the Scoville scale.

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Common Peppers On The Scoville Scale

This is certainly not an exhaustive list of peppers on the Scoville scale, but it should give you a good idea of what is mild, spicy, and extra hot. The most common spicy peppers that are available everywhere are jalapeno and habanero peppers.

There is a huge jump in heat between these two, so if you have tried both, you’ll know what the difference is between a 3,000 SHU pepper and a 200,000 SHU pepper.

With new peppers being cultivated by plant breeders around the world, we are sure to have a new hottest pepper soon. For now, the pepper heat scale ranges from no heat at all, to the fiery hot Carolina Reaper.

Beyond that, you’re looking at bear deterrent spray, which can cause temporary blindness when sprayed. We think that’s a bit too spicy.

Want A Silly Version of the Scoville Scale?

The Big Scoville Scale Chart

I hope this article helped you get an idea of the Scoville Scale and where peppers rank along it. Also, maybe it can help you draw the line for what is too hot for you.

Tip: If your spice tolerance is low, the only way to increase it is to eat more spicy food. Over time, your tolerance will naturally increase.

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Read Next:

• Hottest peppers in the world
• How to grow hot peppers

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