In fall of 2006, the Guinness Book of Records confirmed that New Mexico State University Regent s Professor Paul Bosland had indeed discovered the world s hottest chile pepper, Bhut Jolokia. Bhut Jolokia, at 1,001,304 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), is nearly twice as hot as Red Savina, the chile pepper variety it replaces as the world s hottest. Caution: The fruits of this chile variety are extremely hot. It is advised to wear gloves when handling the peppers, keep them away from children, and thoroughly clean all kitchen utensils like cutting boards, knives etc. When grinding dried Jolokias, wear a breathing mask, protect your eyes. Don't touch any sensitive parts before cleaning your hands thoroughly first. And use these peppers sparingly - it is always easier to kick up the heat of a dish than toning it down.

The Bhut Jolokia is a naturally-occurring interspecies hybrid from the Assam region of northeastern India. Hence the color, shape, size and texture may vary.