The Bhut Jolokia is a pepper that is native to northeastern India. Also known as the ghost pepper, it is considered one of the hottest peppers, if not the hottest, in the world. People who have tried it warn others who are unaware of the pepper’s power that they could indeed become an apparition. For a while the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper was considered the hottest, but as of March 2012 tests have shown that some ghost peppers were even hotter than the scorpion pepper. Either way this is absolutely one HOT pepper.
Chuck Norris’s Breath Mint
Reaching well over 1,000,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units), the Bhut Jolokia has been studied by many governments, including India and the USA, to see how effective it would be for use as a possible non-lethal weapon. By way of comparison, Tabasco sauce ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 SHU, while your basic jalapeno pepper measures anywhere from 2,500 to 8,000. Standard pepper spray is around 2,000,000 SHU. Needless to say, these peppers are not commonly found in the grocery store or even in your local nursery. Ever since the heat value of the ghost pepper has been discovered, it has become one of the most sought after plants to put in people’s own gardens.
The ghost pepper has become so popular that even the restaurant chain Red Robin has introduced a ghost pepper ketchup to use in their burgers, which is pretty good, by the way. Others use it in their salsas, salads, steak rubs, and even smoothies. And, let’s face it, some just grow it for pure bragging rights. Nothing wrong with that! A simple search on YouTube will testify to the intensity of the ghost. There is video after video depicting either knowing or unknowing initiates to the ghost’s burning power.
What Can I Do With It?
Aside from the novelty of growing one of the hottest pepper plants in the world, people grow them as a way to ward away insects and other critters. The high capsaicin content keeps animals from stealing nibbles out of their gardens. In India, where the pepper originates, farmers mix ghost pepper powder into the paint they use for their fences. This keeps roaming elephants away from their property. Other non-food uses include termite and ant infestation prevention by spraying a mix of the oils on the underside of houses as well as keeping aphids off any of your plants. Natives of India have used it for stomach ailments as well as, ironically, a way to fight off the summer heat.
Growing Your Own Ghost Pepper Plant
Now you can join in on the fun of growing the hottest pepper plant legally allowed. It is easier than ever. Click on the link below and you just need to fill out your name and address. It is only $10 + S/H and you will be sent a pot already planted with the ghost. Just add water and watch it sprout and grow within 4 weeks. Keep as an indoor plant or stick it in your garden. It is so easy.
