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Writer's pictureStephen Cuthbert

Chilli Pepper Facts: The Fiery World of Heat and Flavor

Ah, chilli peppers! Those vibrant, fiery delights that have spiced up our dishes and given us heated challenges for centuries. Whether you’re a chilli-head seeking the next flaming sensation or a culinary enthusiast trying to understand the depth of flavors chillies bring, this post will serve as a guide to enlighten you. And if you're seeking the ultimate hot sauce adventure, look no further than Oh Grow Up, a company on a fervent mission to incorporate as many peppers as possible from around the globe into their sensational hot sauces.


image of a globe with chilli peppers

Chilli Pepper Facts


Fact #1: The heat of a chilli pepper is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This scale was created by an American pharmacist named Wilbur Scoville in 1912. The greater the number of SHUs, the hotter the pepper.


Fact #2: Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the fiery sensation you feel when eating a chilli. Interestingly, capsaicin doesn’t actually cause any physical harm – the burning sensation is a trick played on your brain!


Fact #3: Chilli peppers are fruits and are members of the nightshade family, related to tomatoes and potatoes.


Fact #4: Contrary to popular belief, the seeds are not the spiciest part of the pepper. The highest concentration of capsaicin is found in the white pith, or the placenta, which holds the seeds in place.


Fact #5: Chillies are not only used for their heat. They’re packed with vitamins, especially vitamin C, and are known to have various health benefits including boosting metabolism and acting as natural pain relievers.


chilli peppers with fire

A Few Famous Chilli Peppers from Around the World:

  1. Jalapeño (2,500 - 8,000 SHU): Native to Mexico, these are popular in a variety of dishes and offer a moderate heat.

  2. Habanero (100,000 - 350,000 SHU): With origins in the Amazonas region, they are now mainly cultivated in the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Known for their fiery heat, they come in a variety of colors.

  3. Ghost Pepper/Bhut Jolokia (1,000,000 SHU): Originating from India, it was once recognized as the world's hottest pepper.

  4. Pepper X (2,693,000+ SHU): Currently holding the Guinness World Record for the hottest pepper, it was bred in the US by Ed Currie.

oh grow up hot sauce collection

At Oh Grow Up, exploring the vast world of chilli peppers and understanding their unique flavors and heat profiles is not just a passion—it’s a mission. Every bottle of our hot sauce is a testament to the rich traditions, stories, and flavors that each pepper carries. If you are on a quest for flavor-packed adventures, remember that with every new hot sauce release, Oh Grow Up is expanding their global pepper palette, aiming to share the fiery wonders of the world with you.


In conclusion, the world of chilli peppers is as vast as it is spicy. The more you delve into these Chilli Pepper Facts, the more you realize there's always something new to discover. So, the next time you reach for a bottle of hot sauce or decide to add a fiery touch to your dish, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and diversity of the chillies that bring the heat


Shop our Hot Sauce collection today and become a member for free and save on your first purchase and more!

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