La Scoville scale It is a fundamental system for measuring the degree of spiciness of the fruits of the genus Capsicum, commonly known as chilies or peppersThis measure was developed by the American chemist Wilbur Scoville in 1912, when he was looking for a suitable pepper to use in a heat-producing ointment. The scale's main purpose is to calculate the amount of capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spiciness in these fruits.
Capsaicin, in addition to causing burning and sweating, acts as a defense mechanism for plants to deter predators. As consumers and the food industry began to take an interest in chili peppers, the scale has gained notoriety, not only in cooking but also in other fields such as medicine and biology.
How is the Scoville Scale measured?
The original measurement process of the Scoville scale It was based on an organoleptic method. This involved diluting a pepper extract in a sugar water solution to the point where a panel of human tasters couldn't detect the heat. The greater the dilution, the higher the score on the Scoville scale.
For example, if a chili like the jalapeño needed to be diluted 5.000 times before the heat was imperceptible, it was assigned a score of 5.000 Scoville units (SHU for its acronym in English, Scoville Heat Units). A habanero could reach over 300.000 units, meaning it would have to be diluted 300.000 times before the heat became undetectable.
However, this method is subjective, as it depends on the taste perception of the tasters. To address this, starting in the 80s, more precise techniques began to be used, such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)This method allows the amount of capsaicin present in a pepper to be directly measured, eliminating the need for a panel of human tasters.
Scoville Scale Hotness Levels Chart
Below is a table showing some of the most well-known chili peppers and their respective Scoville scores:
| Scoville Units | Type of chilies |
|---|---|
| 15,000,000 | resiniferatoxin |
| 5,550,000 | Tiniatoxin |
| 15 - 16 M | pure capsaicin |
| 9,000,000 | Mad Dog Pepper Extract |
| 2,800,000-3,180,000 | Pepper X, Death Strain |
| 1,900,500-2,480,000 | Dragon's Breath, Primotalii Pepper |
| 1,569,300-2,220,000 | Carolina reaper |
| 1,300,000-2,000,000 | Naga Viper, Trinidad Scorpion Butch T |
| 855,000-1,041,427 | Naga Jolokia, Pod Chaguanas, Ghost Chili |
| 350,000-580,000 | Habanero Savinas Red |
| 100,000-350,000 | Scotch Bonnet, date chili |
| 100,000-200,000 | Locoto chili, also known as rocoto, "manzano chili," or "wax chili"; Jamaican hot chili, piri-piri. |
| 50,000-100,000 | Thai chili, malagueta chili, chiltepín chili, piquín chili, Riojan joys |
| 30,000-50,000 | Red or cayenne pepper, yellow pepper, Tabasco pepper, Calabrese pepper, some types of chipotle pepper |
| 10,000-23,000 | Serrano chili, chile de árbol, some types of chipotle chili |
| 5,000-15,000 | chili bell |
| 5,000-8,000 | New Mexico variety of Anaheim chile, Hungarian wax chile, elongated yellow chile |
| 2,500-5,000 | Jalapeño pepper, Padrón pepper |
| 1,500-2,500 | Rocotillo pepper, Sriracha sauce |
| 1,000-1,500 | Poblano Chile |
| 1,000-2,500 | ají anaheim |
| 200-1,000 | Bell pepper, Pepperoncini, Banana pepper, Ibarra chili |
| 0 | Green pepper |
Each of these chilies has its own unique flavor and heat level, allowing consumers to choose according to their preferences. For example, jalapeno It is perfect for those looking for a little heat without the spiciness being overwhelming, while the Carolina reaper, with its impressive score, is reserved for lovers of extreme spiciness.
Examples of Chiles and their Spicy
Some of the best-known chilies and their spiciness levels are:
- Jalapeno: With a range of 2,500 – 8,000 SHU, it is ideal for those beginning to experiment with spice.
- habanero: This chili has a spiciness level that varies between 100,000 and 350,000 SHU, which classifies it as a high-spiciness chili.
- Caroline Reaper: With over 2,200,000 SHU, this is currently the hottest chili in the world, perfect for the bravest in the kitchen.
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia): This Indian chili exceeds one million SHU and is famous for its intense heat and evergreen flavor.
The use of Scoville scale It extends beyond mere curiosity, as it is also essential for the production of hot sauces and other food products that use chili peppers as an ingredient.
The Spicy Phenomenon in Modern Cooking
The popularity of spicy food has grown significantly over the past decade. From artisanal sauces to hot food competitors, the Scoville scale has been a defining factor. Many people seek the thrill and challenge of tasting the world's hottest chilies.
As chefs experiment with these fiery ingredients, new flavor combinations are introduced. For example, the use of chili peppers in chocolate or gourmet dishes has allowed foodies to explore new sensorial horizons.
However, it's important to approach spiciness with caution. Some people have a lower tolerance for capsaicin, which can lead to adverse reactions. Therefore, it's always advisable to start with low levels of spiciness and increase gradually.
What about Capsaicin and its Benefits?
In addition to being a central element in gastronomy, capsaicin It has been the subject of interest in the health field. This compound has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Some studies suggest that capsaicin may help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Some supplements and ointments for joint and muscle pain relief contain capsaicin as an active ingredient. However, caution should be exercised when using it, as it can cause skin irritation if applied excessively.
For those who enjoy spicy food, moderate consumption can provide health benefits, such as improving blood circulation and boosting metabolism. However, it's essential for each person to know their tolerance level and adjust their diet accordingly.
Interesting facts about the Scoville Scale
There are several interesting curiosities about the Scoville scale and its application in today's world:
- El Carolina reaper Not only is it the hottest chili, but it was specifically created to be so, resulting from the crossing of different varieties.
- La resiniferatoxin It is a compound found in a plant called Euphorbia resinifera, and has been shown to be hotter than capsaicin. It has a Scoville score of up to 15,000,000.
- In some places, such as India, there are competitions where participants must eat extremely hot chili peppers in the shortest amount of time possible.
Over time, the Scoville scale has evolved, and although modern methods of measuring spiciness are more accurate, the Scoville tradition persists, helping in the classification of the spiciness experience in foods.
How to choose a chili?
Choosing the right chili will depend on what you're looking for in terms of flavor and heat. If you're a beginner, it's a good idea to start with milder chilies, such as jalapeno or pepperIf you enjoy moderate spice, opt for the habanero or scotch beanie.
For adventurers who like a challenge, the Carolina reaper or Ghost Pepper are tempting options, but should always be done in moderation and with caution.
As you experiment with different chilies, you can discover a wide range of flavors and warmth that enrich the culinary experience.
- Start with low levels of spice. Find your tolerance before trying stronger strains.
- Combine flavors. Experiment with chilies in different recipes to find combinations you like.
- Spicy dishes. Consider making sauces or dishes that blend several types of chili peppers for a more complex flavor profile.
Exploring the different types of chili peppers and their heat levels can be a highly rewarding culinary adventure, where each experience trying a new chili brings you a little closer to understanding the rich culture surrounding this versatile ingredient.
Thank you very much for the article, very well explained but without going crazy with confusing explanations. The only thing I miss, would be to clarify that currently other more precise (and objective) tests are used than tasting when it comes to grading the hotness of a cayenne (although the name has been kept in honor of Scoville).
Hi Jacobo.
Thank you very much. We're glad you liked it.
Regarding what you say, we will take it into account, to see if we take out a new article or add that information to it.
Regards!