Home > Archive > Peppers: Some Like 'Em Hot!

Peppers: Some Like 'Em Hot!

You think jalapenos are hot? Wait till you try these peppers.

Font
  • A
  • A
  • A

E-mail This Page to Your Friends

x

All fields are required.

Separate multiple e-mail addresses with a comma; Maximum 20 email addresses.

Refresh

Sending E-mail

Sending E-mail

Or Do Not E-mail

Success!

A link to %this page% was e-mailed

If you want to heat up your garden, try the peppers that pack a real punch.

"It's a pretty safe bet that tomatoes will always be America's No. 1 backyard crop," says master gardener Paul James. "But pushing a close second are the peppers, and the leading peppers are those that are really hot." The scorching taste of hot peppers is measured in heat units called Scovilles. A pepper's hot flavoring is actually the result of a chemical known as capsaicin, and Scovilles measure the amount of this chemical within a pepper.

Sample these peppers:

  • Among the more interesting and unusual chile peppers are the Yatsufusa peppers from Japan, which measure 75,000 heat units.

  • The Merah from Malaysia heats up to about 100,000 Scovilles.

  • The Bulgarian carrot, seen here, which isn't a carrot at all, comes in at 300,000 Scovilles.
  • The tabasco pepper registers 50,000 heat units.

  • The Red Savina, seen here in its green stage, tops out at a sweltering 570,000 heat units.
  • The jalapeno measures a relatively cool 5,000 heat units.

    Whether you grow jalapeno, Red Savina or any other type of pepper, growing techniques are essentially the same. Provide peppers with decent soil that drains well, at least an inch of water a week, organic mulch and hot weather conditions.

    "While the title of the hottest pepper in the world is often disputed," James says, "the consensus seems to be that the Naga Jolokia, "which comes from a remote region of India, is among the very hottest, measuring an incredible 855,000 Scoville heat units."

    • We Recommend...

    Zen-Like Master Bedroom

    Zen-Like Master Bedroom

    These homeowners need help transforming their boring master bedroom into an earthy, Zen-like retreat.

    Hot Backyard Hangout

    Hot Backyard Hangout

    An outdated yard is transformed with lush, tropical plants and a fun outdoor kitchen.

    (4 photos)
    Creating Some Suite Designs

    Creating Some Suite Designs

    (11 photos)

    See Also:

    From our Sister Sites:

    Advertisement

    HGTV Inspiration Newsletter

    Get our best decorating ideas, blog posts by top designers, easy how-to projects, sweepstakes updates and news about your favorite HGTV shows and hosts.

      Shop Home Decor Products

      Shop home decor products from rugs to mirrors, lamps and more

      Shop Home Decor Products