Chili Peppers - What's Hot?
When it comes to chili peppers, some are hotter than others. Can you please provide some guidance?
TOH: When it comes to rating chili peppers' heat, looks don't help: It's the seeds and membranes that count. Scoville Heat Units (SHU), named after researcher Wilbur Scoville and used by heat experts, indicate the amount of capsaicin, a potent compound that gives chilies their sizzle. Although the method for determining SHUs relies heavily on subjectivity, the scale is a respectable gauge. Use the following information from chiliworld.com to put the heat into perspective:
Sweet bell pepper - 0
Cubanelle pepper - 100-1,000
Texas Pete Hot Sauce, T.W. Garner Food Co. - 747
Anaheim pepper - 500-2,500
Poblano pepper - 1,000-2,000
Jalapeno pepper - 2,500-5,000
Chipotle pepper (a smoked jalapeno) - 5,000-10,000
Serrano pepper - 6,000-23,000
Tabasco brand Habanero Sauce, McIlhenny Co. - 7,000-8,000
Cayenne pepper - 30,000-50,000
Habanero pepper - 100,000-350,000
Peppers (Hot)
Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.
Nutrition Facts
1/4 cup: 22 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.