Habanero

What’s Casper’s favorite hot pepper? Why, the ha-BOO-nero, of course! We’ve got to give him credit, though, because the Habanero is one of our all-time favorite peppers, too. Formerly the hottest known pepper (it has since been surpassed by the super-hot Ghost, 7-pot, Scorpion, and Reaper), the habanero is not for the faint of heart. The heat is not without substance, though. Habaneros pack a signature citrus note with a hint of smoke, making them perfect for everything from hot sauce to salsa, seasonings, and even pickles.

How Hot is a Habanero Pepper?

Habanero peppers are generally categorized in the “holy crap that’s hot” end of the pepper scale, measuring about 100,000 to 350,000 Scovilles. Just like their cousin the Scotch Bonnet, habaneros are best used in moderation for anyone other than the most hardcore chili-heads.