Carolina Reaper

Extreme Heat, Powerful Plant Compounds & Nutritional Potential

Scientific name: Capsicum chinense
Family: Solanaceae — Nightshade family
Plant type: Tender perennial, commonly grown as an annual
Primary edible part: Fruit
Best known for: Extremely high concentrations of capsaicinoids

The Carolina Reaper is an exceptionally hot variety of Capsicum chinense. Its wrinkled red fruit and characteristic pointed “tail” make it easily recognizable, but what makes this pepper particularly interesting from a health and wellness perspective is what is happening chemically inside the fruit.

Carolina Reapers contain capsaicinoids, carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. Capsaicin—the compound responsible for much of the pepper's burning sensation—has been extensively studied for its effects on pain signalling, metabolism and other physiological processes.

However, the Carolina Reaper also demonstrates an important principle of plant-based wellness: a beneficial plant compoun