Ghost-Peach Pepper, Bhut Jolokia Peach, Super Hot Unusual Rare Color Intense Smoky Flavor
The Ghost-Peach pepper, also known as Bhut Jolokia, is a very hot pepper cultivar with a unique fruity flavor. Its Latin name is Capsicum chinense 'Bhut Jolokia'. It is a cross between the Bhut Jolokia and an unknown peach-colored strain.
The Bhut Jolokia pepper was first cultivated in Northeast India, specifically in the states of Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur. It is believed to have been in cultivation for centuries, and has been traditionally used in Indian cuisine for its fiery heat and flavor. In recent years, it has gained popularity around the world among chili pepper enthusiasts and hot sauce makers.
The Scoville rating of Bhut Jolokia peppers can range from 800,000 to over 1,000,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units), making it one of the hottest peppers in the world. The heat level is intense and long-lasting, with a delayed onset that can take up to 30 seconds to fully develop.
Bhut Jolokia pepper plants typically grow to a height of 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) and take about 90-100 days to mature. The leaves are a dark green color and can have a slightly wrinkled appearance. The fruits are medium to large-sized, typically measuring 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in length and 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in width. The peppers start out green, then ripen to a peachy-orange color, hence the name Ghost-Peach.
In terms of flavor, the Bhut Jolokia pepper has a fruity, slightly sweet taste with a distinct smokiness. The heat can be overwhelming for some people, but those who can handle the spiciness often find the flavor to be quite enjoyable.
One interesting fact about Bhut Jolokia peppers is that they were once used by the Indian military in hand grenades as a non-lethal way to flush out terrorists hiding in buildings. The intense heat of the pepper would cause the terrorists to flee from the building, allowing the military to enter safely.
Interesting fact: The Bhut Jolokia, the parent pepper of the Peach Ghost Pepper, was recognized as the hottest chili pepper in the world in 2007, according to the Guinness World Records. It held the title until 2011, when it was surpassed by the Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper.