What is the hottest cherry pepper?

Answered by John Watkins

When it comes to cherry peppers, there is one variety that stands out as the hottest – the infamous Cherry Bomb. As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure (or should I say, the challenge) of experiencing many different types of peppers, and the Cherry Bomb definitely takes the crown in terms of spiciness.

The Cherry Bomb pepper is known for its intense heat, which can range from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville heat units (SHU). To put that into perspective, a jalapeno pepper typically measures around 2,500 to 8,000 SHU, so you can imagine just how fiery the Cherry Bomb can be. It's not for the faint of heart!

I remember the first time I tried a Cherry Bomb pepper. It was at a local farmers market where a vendor had a basket full of these bright red, plump peppers. Intrigued by their vibrant color, I decided to give it a go. Little did I know what I was in for!

As I took a bite, the initial sweetness of the pepper hit my taste buds. It had a pleasant fruity flavor that hinted at its cherry-like origins. However, within seconds, the heat started building. It was like a fiery explosion in my mouth, hence the fitting name “Cherry Bomb.” I reached for a glass of to cool down the burn, but even that didn't fully extinguish the heat.

The intensity of the Cherry Bomb's spiciness comes from its high capsaicin content. Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the heat in peppers, and the Cherry Bomb has it in abundance. It's the perfect pepper for those who enjoy a good challenge and want to test their heat tolerance.

While the Cherry Bomb is undoubtedly the hottest cherry pepper, it's important to note that heat tolerance varies from person to person. What may be extremely spicy for one individual might be mild for another. So, if you're someone who loves heat and wants to push your taste buds to the limit, the Cherry Bomb is the pepper for you.

The Cherry Bomb takes the crown as the hottest cherry pepper. Its intense heat, ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 SHU, sets it apart from other varieties. With its initial sweetness followed by a fiery explosion of spiciness, it's not for the faint of heart. So, if you're up for a challenge and want to experience the pinnacle of cherry pepper heat, give the Cherry Bomb a try. Just make sure you have a glass of milk or some cooling relief nearby!