Is The Apollo Pepper The Hottest Pepper? Explained

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Shari Mason

The Apollo Pepper, a chili hybrid, steals the show with its *incredibly hot and flaming* flavor.

With the pepper-eating community buzzing about its potential to be the hottest pepper in the world, it has become a topic of great interest. 

So is the Apollo Pepper the hottest pepper?

Let’s aim to explore the claims surrounding the Apollo Pepper and determine its place among the pantheon of fiery chili peppers.

Apollo Pepper: Is It The Hottest Pepper?

The Apollo Pepper is a hybrid chili pepper that has garnered attention in the pepper-eating community for its potential to be the hottest pepper in the world. 

The Apollo Pepper [1] was created by crossing some of the hottest peppers in the world and is said to deliver heat levels that surpass even the notorious Carolina Reaper. 

It is believed that the Apollo Pepper, reportedly measured at roughly 3 Million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), is about 1.4 times hotter than Carolina Reaper, which measures in at around 2.2 Million SHU.

The heat of chili pepper is determined by the presence of capsaicin, with the Apollo Pepper being said to have high levels of this chemical compound. 

Despite its intense heat, the Apollo Pepper has found its way into the kitchens of adventurous cooks and chili pepper enthusiasts, being used as a spicy ingredient in sauces, marinades, and rubs or even consumed raw by those who can handle its heat.

Read:

• How Many Scoville Units Is A Ghost Pepper?
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• How Many Scoville Units Is Buffalo Wild Wings Wild Sauce?

Apollo Pepper vs Other Hot Peppers

The presence of capsaicin determines the heat level of chili pepper, and the heat level is measured in Scoville Units.

To determine how the Apollo Pepper compares to other hot peppers in terms of heat levels, it is necessary to measure the Scoville Units of each pepper. 

The Apollo Pepper is said to have heat levels that surpass even the Carolina Reaper, which has a Scoville Units measurement of approximately 2.2 million. 

However, it is essential to note that heat levels can vary significantly from pepper to pepper, even within the same variety. Therefore, it isn’t easy to accurately compare the heat levels of different peppers. 

Nevertheless, the Apollo Pepper is said to be one of the hottest peppers in the world and an actual test for even the most experienced pepper-eaters.

Read:

• How Many Scoville Units Is The One Chip Challenge?
• Can A Carolina Reaper Kill You?

What Makes The Apollo Pepper So Hot & What Are The Effects Of Eating It?

The heat of the Apollo Pepper is attributed to its high levels of capsaicin, the chemical compound responsible for activating the pain receptors in the mouth.

The effects of eating this pepper can range from intense discomfort to temporary paralysis of the mouth. 

The heat from the Apollo Pepper can be overwhelming for some individuals, and it is essential to proceed with caution when consuming it. 

Those not accustomed to eating hot peppers should be especially careful, as the heat from the Apollo Pepper can be significantly greater than that of other mild chili peppers. 

Avoiding touching your eyes or face after handling the pepper is essential, as capsaicin can cause significant discomfort.

Is It Safe To Eat & What Precautions Should Be Taken?

While the Apollo Pepper is technically safe to eat, it is essential to proceed cautiously, especially if you are not used to eating scorching peppers.

The intense heat from the Apollo Pepper can cause discomfort, pain, and even temporary paralysis of the mouth and throat. 

It is recommended to wear gloves while handling the pepper and to avoid touching your face or eyes after doing so, as capsaicin can cause significant discomfort.

“You can easily put together your own favorite spice blend, whether that’s a salt and pepper mixture or you’re adding herbs to it or Creole spice. Just watch out for the sodium content. That’s why I encourage you to make your own.”

– Emeril Lagasse, Chef

If you are sensitive to spicy foods, it is best to avoid the Apollo Pepper altogether or to consume it in small amounts. 

Before eating the Apollo Pepper, it is also a good idea to have a cool liquid source nearby to help alleviate the heat if necessary.

Generally, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before consuming any food you need clarification on.

Where Can You Find Apollo Pepper?

The Apollo Pepper can be found in specialty stores that cater to chili pepper enthusiasts and in some online stores. Its availability may vary depending on where you live and the time of year. 

In terms of culinary use, the Apollo Pepper is a popular ingredient among adventurous cooks and chili pepper [2] enthusiasts.

It is used as a spicy ingredient in sauces, marinades, and rubs or even consumed raw by those who can handle its heat. 

Its intense heat adds a bold flavor to dishes and can be used to add a touch of heat to otherwise mild dishes. The Apollo Pepper is also a popular ingredient in hot sauces, as its heat levels can significantly kick the sauce. 

However, due to its intense heat, it is essential to use caution when incorporating the Apollo Pepper into dishes and to adjust the amount used based on personal taste and tolerance for heat.

FAQs

Key Takeaways

The Apollo Pepper is considered one of the hottest peppers in the world, with heat levels surpassing even the infamous Carolina Reaper. However, its exact heat level may vary, and its origin is still being determined. 

While it is technically safe to consume, its intense heat can cause significant discomfort, pain, and temporary paralysis of the mouth and throat.

It is essential to proceed cautiously when consuming the Apollo Pepper and avoid touching your face or eyes after handling it. 

References:

1. https://www.britannica.com/plant/pepper-plant-Capsicum-genus
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/chili-peppers