Scorpion Pepper Powder, Pure

For a while the scorpion chile held the world’s record with Guinness as “The World’s Hottest Pepper.” (A title taken away by the Naga Viper chile, whose crown was soon usurped by the Ghost Pepper. Chefs who cook with these peppers are required to wear gloves, eyewear, and masks as the fumes can induce burning and numbness. Clocking in at near 1,500,000 Scoville units these peppers are no joke.

The name comes from both the spicy sting of these peppers and because the peppers look like a scorpion’s telson (stinger), growing gnarled and bulbous before tapering off sharply into a curved tip. These are bright red and fiercely potent. As a rather curious contrast the flavor is extremely floral, often described as being reminiscent of rose and geranium.

This powder is best used to finish off chiles, salsas, and your enemies.