published on 11/05/2024The Bhut Jolokia pepper, also known as ghost pepper, is one of the hottest varieties in the world, a true explosion of flavor. Originating from the northern regions of India and Bangladesh, this hybrid chili pepper is a fusion of Capsicum chinense and Capsicum frutescens, resulting in a blend of flavors unique in its kind.
Intense aroma and taste
Imagine a strong aroma of red fruits mixed with typical Indian curry spices, all with a sweet note of smokiness. This is the fragrance that characterizes the Bhut Jolokia pepper.
Kitchen use
The culinary potential of this pepper is practically limitless. Thanks to its high capsaicin content, Bhut Jolokia adds a spicy touch to any dish. It is particularly suitable for braised meats and exotic sauces but can also be used to add character to vegetables and soups. One of the most interesting combinations is with soy sauce: mixed together, Bhut Jolokia creates a delicious alternative to wasabi, with the same pungent intensity but enriched with unique aromatic notes.
Brief history mention
Bhut Jolokia gained worldwide fame in 2007 when the Guinness World Records certified it as the hottest chili pepper in the world, with over a million units on the Scoville scale. However, over the years, it has been surpassed by even hotter varieties, such as the Trinidad Scorpion and the Carolina Reaper.
Beyond the kitchen
But Bhut Jolokia is not just an ingredient for spicy dishes. In the regions of Northeast India, it is also used as a deterrent for wild elephants, thanks to its intense spiciness that keeps the animals away. Furthermore, the pepper has even been used as a non-lethal weapon. The Indian armed forces have developed chili bombs to disperse crowds and combat terrorism, demonstrating the incredible versatility of this small but powerful spice.
A journey into the spiciness of Peperita products
You can find Bhut Jolokia pepper in our 10 powder, fresh grind, and super-spicy sauces, such as the 99 concentrate.
References for further reading:
Bosland, P. W., & Baral, J. B. (2007). ‘Bhut Jolokia’—The World's Hottest Known Chile Pepper is a Putative Naturally Occurring Interspecific Hybrid. HortScience horts, 42(2), 222-224. Retrieved May 11, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.42.2.222
