Food & Drink...Peppers

(Scoville: 6,000 to 11,000)
A ubiquitous pepper loved across the U.S. and in Mexico, its fleshy skin can be sliced and added to just about anything. Jalapeños can also be marinated with vegetables and pickled like you see in escabeche. When ripened and smoke-dried, the chile transforms into chipotle peppers, which can be canned in adobo sauce or left dried and pulverized to a powder.

Read More: www.tastingtable.com/693165/best-spicy-chile-peppers-hottest-pepper-how-to-cook-with-chiles/?utm_campaign=clip

(Scoville: 2,000,000)
The Carolina Reaper now holds the title of hottest pepper in the world. The pepper was bred in a greenhouse in South Carolina and is a cross between the red habanero and Pakistani Naga. It should not be eaten raw. Repeat: Do not eat a raw Carolina Reaper. (You're still going to, aren't ya?)

(Scoville: 1,000,000)
Bhut Jolokia
Commonly referred to as ghost chile, this pepper was at one point the hottest pepper in the world and received a great amount of attention for it. The pepper originates from India and should be used sparingly, as it can be quite overpowering when added to dishes.

(Scoville: 500 to 1,000)
Though beloved in Spain, where the emerald green, thin-skinned chiles are quickly charred and sprinkled with salt, Padrons are actually thought to have originated in Mexico. The peppers are almost always mild, but occasionally a spicy one will pop up.

(Scoville: 30,000 to 50,000)
This South American chile starts off green and then takes on a bright red hue. As it matures, the pepper's heat increases. It can be used fresh but is commonly dried and essential in Cajun cuisine. Sadly, most ground cayenne seasoning sold commercially does not exclusively use cayenne pepper but is made up of a mix of peppers.

(Scoville: 30,000 to 50,000)
Rarely used in their fresh state, these peppers help make the iconic Louisiana-made hot sauce. Add a splash to your cocktail sauce if it needs some heat (it probably does!).

Read More: www.tastingtable.com/693165/best-spicy-chile-peppers-hottest-pepper-how-to-cook-with-chiles/?utm_campaign=clip

(Scoville: 50,000 to 100,000)
Known worldwide for their contribution to Southeast Asian cuisine, Thai chiles are called prik kee noo in Thai. That translates to "mouse dropping chile," a nod to the chile's tiny size. The chile is thin-skinned and has a pointed bottom and is essential to curries, stir-fries and salad.

(Scoville: 100,000 to 325,000)
A little goes a long way with this pepper, which has a slightly tapered, lantern-like tip. Its color can go from pale to medium green to bright orange and yellow. It can be charred and smashed into a paste with lime juice and salt or blended into an oil to add ample heat.

(Scoville: 100,000 to 325,000)
Similar in shape to the habanero, Scotch bonnets are from the Caribbean and essential to jerk chicken. Their bulbous shape might make them look cute, but their heat is infamous and can last for a long time. However, their bright, tropical fruit notes make them easy to love.