Bhut Jolokia ( Ghost ) Pepper

The ghost pepper, also known as Bhut Jolokia, is a chili pepper that is considered one of the hottest peppers in the world. It originated in northeastern India and is named after the Bhutia tribe who originally cultivated it.

The pepper is usually small and round with a red or orange color when fully ripe. It has a bumpy surface with a thin skin that is slightly wrinkled. The flesh of the pepper is thick, crunchy, and juicy. The heat level of the ghost pepper is incredibly high, with a rating of up to 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Units, which is about 400 times hotter than Tabasco sauce. The heat is intense and can be felt immediately upon consumption, causing intense burning and sweating sensations.

Due to its extreme heat, the ghost pepper is often used sparingly in cooking, and is commonly used in sauces, marinades, and spice blends. It is also used in medicinal and self-defense applications in some cultures. Because of its potency, handling the ghost pepper requires caution, including using gloves and avoiding touching one's eyes or face after handling.