SCOVILLE SCALE
The Scoville Scale is a measure of the heat from a chile pepper. The scale was named after its creator, Wilbur Scoville.
The Scoville Scale measures the capsaicin content in a chile pepper. Capsaicin is the chemical compound that makes peppers hot. The hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains.
Use our Scoville Scale to discover the levels of heat you want to know about and experience!
What Does SHU Stand For
The heat in peppers is caused by capsaicin, a compound that stimulates the nerve endings in the skin.
The higher the concentration of capsaicin, the hotter the pepper will be. Peppers are rated on the Scoville Scale in Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
The scale ranges from 0 (for a pepper with no capsaicin) to 16,000,000 (for pure capsaicin).
What is Capsaicin
Capsaicin is an active component of chili peppers, and is the substance that makes them hot. It is a member of a class of compounds known as vanilloids, which are characterized by their ability to cause a burning sensation.
When capsaicin comes into contact with human skin, it activates a protein known as TRPV1, which is responsible for the sensation of pain and heat.
What is the Hottest Pepper
What is the hottest pepper in the world? One of the most argued statements in the chile pepper community is what is the hottest chile pepper in the world.
Recently the Dragon's Breath Chile has been deemed the hottest chile pepper in the world sitting at 2.48M. While others claim that the Carolina Reaper still reigns supreme as the hottest. What do you think?
Common Peppers on the Scoville Scale & Heat Levels
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