Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper is a chili pepper that has been measured as the world's hottest. The pepper is a particular strain of the Trinidad Scorpion (which originated in Trinidad and Tobago). It is named after Butch Taylor, the owner of a hot sauce company who is responsible for propagating the pepper's seeds.[1] The "scorpion" peppers are referred to as such because the pointed end of the pepper is said to resemble a scorpion's stinger.
The Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper is the hottest pepper in the world, according to Guinness World Records.[2] Prior to this, the world's hottest pepper was a specimen of the Naga Viper pepper. A laboratory test conducted in March, 2011 measured a specimen of Trinidad Scorpion Butch T at 1,463,700 Scoville heat units, making it hotter than the Naga Viper's 1,382,118 Scoville heat units.[3] Hotness of a species of chili pepper can vary by up to a factor of 10 depending on the conditions under which the specimen grew.[4] High-performance liquid chromatography has limited precision and a margin of error of about 5% of the true value; Scoville units reported with more than two significant figures should be regarded as for entertainment purposes only and not a scientific assessment of the heat of the pepper.[5]
The Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper is so strong that those who handle it must wear protective gloves. Exposure to the eye or skin near the eyes when handling this pepper could cause temporary blindness. While preparing the Butch T, one should wear a chemical mask or a body suit to defend against fumes given off in the cooking process.[6]