Moruga Scorpion vs Carolina Reaper
The Carolina Reaper (2.2M SHU) dethroned the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion (2.01M SHU) in 2013. Both are Capsicum chinense from the superhot lineage, but they differ in flavor profile, fruit shape, and growing requirements.
SHU Comparison
Carolina Reaper is 1.1x hotter than Moruga Scorpion
Heat comparison
Carolina Reaper: 2.2 million SHU peak. Moruga Scorpion: 2.01 million SHU peak. The difference is about 190,000 SHU — roughly equivalent to a Scotch Bonnet pepper. In practice, individual pods of both varieties can vary enough that a hot Moruga could match a mild Reaper.
Flavor
The Moruga Scorpion has a distinctly fruity, almost sweet flavor with notes of tropical fruit that persist through the burn. The Carolina Reaper is also fruity but with a sharper, more candy-like sweetness. Both have excellent flavor for superhots.
The record swap
The Moruga Scorpion was identified as the world's hottest by New Mexico State University in 2012. The Reaper officially took the Guinness record in 2013, then held it until Pepper X dethroned it in 2023.
Growing
Both are tropical Capsicum chinense that need long, hot growing seasons. The Moruga Scorpion tends to produce larger fruits and is generally considered easier to grow. The Reaper is fussier about soil pH and moisture but produces more consistently hot pods.
Moruga Scorpion
2,009,000 SHU
Carolina Reaper: 2.2 million SHU peak.
Carolina Reaper
2,200,000 SHU
Moruga Scorpion: 2.01 million SHU peak.