The heat of a chilli is categorised by a system of measurement called Scoville Heat Units (SHU). It starts at 0 with the capsicum, and moves upward. The hottest chilli in the world is currently tagged as the Bhut Jolokia coming in at over one million SHU’s. The fatali sits at around 300,000 SHU and is hot enough for me!
The following is a list of varieties of chilli and a heat rating. Remember though that heat level can be affected by external factors, such as temperature, soil moisture and conditions, regularity of watering etc.
Orange Habanero 210,000 (SHU)
Red Habanero 150,000
Tabasco 120,000
Chiltepin 75,000
Thai Hot 60,000
Serrano 25,000
Long Slim Cayenne 23,000
Santa Fe Grande 21,000
Jalapeno M 5,500
Pasilla 4,000
Mulato 1,000
Bell (Capsicum) 0
These levels were determined by testing at the Chile Pepper Institute in New Mexico.
Information from the Chile Pepper Institute (www.chilepepperinstitute.org)
All the abovementioned varieties are grown at Lanacoora Chillies.
Police grade pepper spray 5,300,000
Pure capsaicin 16,000,000
Information from Matt Simpson Chilli, Chili, Chile (2005)