An in Depth Look at California Reaper vs Ghost Pepper

This post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links. We appreciate your support!

Sharing is caring!

Do you love everything with a little extra spice? Then come explore some of the hottest peppers in the world with this look at California reaper vs ghost pepper!

Related: arugula vs romaine

Peppers are the spice of life, literally. That is why embracing these spicy foods can bring your cooking to new levels, but you need to know what you’re working with. Explore the ins and outs of these tasty veggies as we turn up the heat on the debate over who wears the hot pepper crown in the battle of California reaper vs ghost pepper.

What is California Reaper?

You may have heard of the Carolina reaper pepper, but California reapers put a new spin on this familiar hot flavor. In the world of hot peppers, farmers are always developing new hybrids and creating new and different flavors. The California reaper is one of those intensely hot hybrids. 

California reapers are a cross between Carolina reaper peppers (formerly the world’s hottest pepper) and Jay’s Peach Ghost Scorpion Peppers. They are identifiable by their light peachy to orange hue, bumpy skin, and bell-like shape. At the bottom of the pepper, there is a scorpion-like barb, as if it wants to warn you about its intense heat level! 

California reapers have a very high rating on the Scoville scale. They clock in at approximately 1.5 million Scoville heat units. This puts them between a Trinidad scorpion and a Carolina reaper. They are hotter than ghost peppers, but there is more to this pepper than just extreme heat. 

The unique blend of super spicy peppers used to make these results in a unique flavor. California reapers have peppery sweet undertones and notes of fruity flavor. The slow burn heat shines through in the finish of this small but mighty pepper. 

How to Shop for California Reaper

California reaper peppers are just one small variety in a wide sea of hot peppers. Some farmers grow them and others do not, so finding them in the store might be tough. 

To score some of these tasty peppers, try checking at your local farmer’s market. There may be a pepper grower at your market that likes to experiment with the hot stuff!

Another way to get your hands on these hot peppers is by ordering the seeds online. Farmers who have successfully bred the pepper before will sometimes sell the seeds so you can have your own spicy pepper harvest!

California reaper pepper plant.
Photo Credit: Bohica Pepper Hut

Grow your Own California Reaper Peppers!

Purchase seeds directly from Bohica Pepper Hut.

How to Use California Reaper

California reapers are related to the red habanero pepper which is why they are a great choice for dishes where you want a slow burn style of heat with a little sweet flavor at the finish. 

Common uses for these peppers are curry, stew, pickles, and homemade hot sauces. Just remember to wear gloves and wash your hands after handling these extremely hot peppers.

Did you know?

As of October 2023, pepper x holds the title of world’s hottest chili pepper in the Guinness book of world records? The Carolina reaper held the previous record.  

What is Ghost Pepper?

Ghost peppers have an ominous name for a reason; they’re deathly hot! 

Like California reapers, ghost peppers are the result of a hybrid pepper breeding process. They are a blend of capsicum chinense and capsicum frutescens and they are also known as bhut jolokia peppers. Ghost peppers are known for their vibrant red color, wrinkly texture, and long pointy shape. 

At one time, these peppers were considered the world’s hottest peppers; however, pepper breeding has progressed and produced even wickedly hotter chili peppers, including the California Reaper. 

In terms of heat, the average ghost pepper clocks in at about 1 million Scoville units. This makes it just hotter than Chocolate habanero but not as hot as Trinidad scorpion peppers. In addition to their fiery heat level, ghost peppers have notes of leafiness and berries. 

Pile of ghost peppers.

How to Shop for Ghost Pepper

Ghost peppers are a little easier to find than California reapers, just because they have been on the scene longer. 

Home chefs can find ghost peppers easily at most major grocery stores during the summer and early autumn. You can also score these peppers from your local farmer’s market.

Another great way to get your hands on fresh ghost peppers is by growing them. Nurseries and plant supply stores will carry ghost pepper seeds and seedlings throughout the spring and summer.

Always use extreme caution when handling very hot peppers like this. Wear gloves, wash your hands often, and never touch your face (or eyes) while handling the peppers. 

Farmers market.

How to Use Ghost Pepper

Ghost peppers have a strong full-frontal heat that hits you right away. This intense heat level can be excellent in dishes like curry, fruity salsas, and homemade hot sauces. 

California Reaper vs Ghost Pepper: Key Differences

When you look at these two peppers you can immediately tell them apart. California reapers are peach-colored and shaped like habaneros; whereas, ghost peppers are fire red and elongated in shape, but each one stands out for more than just its looks.

California reapers have more in common with a habanero in terms of flavor. They have an intense yet fruity and sweet flavor which lends the perfect balance of heat and sweet to slow-cooked dishes.

Ghost peppers have a flavor that is closer to super chiles. They are more vegetative and peppery in flavor, which can make the extreme heat seem more pronounced. This pepper punch makes ghost peppers ideal for drying or using in hot sauce. 

Are there Health Benefits to Eating Hot Peppers?

For centuries pepper enthusiasts have been turning to the chemical compounds in spicy chilis as a home remedy for different maladies. From simply clearing out your sinuses to combating long-term conditions, hot peppers can have many benefits. 

There are lots of nutritious reasons to try super-hot peppers. Healthline outlines how consuming hot peppers can have amazing benefits, including anti-inflammatory capabilities. They can also soothe arthritis by confusing your internal pain signals. Some even report increased metabolism thanks to these fiery peppers. 

Both California reaper pepper and ghost peppers are low in calories and contain a high amount of vitamin C. They are a spicy but nutritious addition to virtually any diet!

Although there are plenty of delicious benefits to these spicy snacks, some people may not be able to handle them, and it’s not just about flavor. Some people have a higher risk of heartburn and stomach sensitivity and should use caution around hot peppers. As someone who suffers from IBS, I’m speaking from experience! TMI, I know but thought I should share for anyone else that suffers from stomach issues.

California Reaper vs Ghost Pepper: Which is Better?

Each of these spicy peppers has a ton of heat and flavor to offer. Both peppers can bring an intense heat to all your favorite foods, so it really comes down to personal preference. 

While California reapers may be slightly hotter, ghost peppers can also cause a burning sensation on the taste buds, so you may want to choose your hot peppers based on availability and flavor profile. 

If you like a slower burn with notes of fruitiness, then California reaper peppers are perfect. However, if you want a spicy heat that starts and ends strong with plenty of peppery undertones, then you need ghost peppers.

Sources

BSc, A. A. (2019, May 13). Chili peppers 101: Nutrition Facts and health effects. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/chili-peppers#plant-compounds

DISCLAIMER: The content on this website is not endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration. It’s not meant for diagnosis, treatment, cure, or disease prevention. You’re responsible for interpreting and using this information. Prior to any dietary or lifestyle adjustments, consult with a healthcare professional. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *