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Carolina Reaper vs. 7 Pot Primo: A Fiery Showdown
When it comes to hot chilli peppers, Carolina Reaper and 7 Pot Primo supremely hold the ranks in the list of the hottest peppers.
Though both are red and bumpy peppers, they share striking differences in several attributes, including intense heat and complex flavor profiles.
1. Origin
Ed Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company created and patented Carolina Reaper in South California, USA. Also, the Guinness World Record crowned it as the hottest pepper in 2013-2023.
Carolina Reaper is the crossbreed of a Naga pepper from Pakistan and La Soufriere pepper from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent.
However, 7 Pot Primo was created by Troy Primeaux of Troy’s Primo Peppers in Louisiana, USA. It received the name “7 Pot” from the thought that a single pepper is powerful enough to spice up seven pots of stew.
Moreover, 7 Pot Primo is the hybrid of the Trinidad 7 Pot Pepper and Naga Morich peppers.
2. Appearance
Carolina Reaper possesses a distinctive, gnarly appearance, while 7 Pot Primo pepper is slightly less wrinkled than Carolina. Here are some apparent differences in looks.
- Color: Though both grow in red color, there are typical differences between the two, with some varieties being more orange and yellow.
- Shape: Carolina Reaper is a round or slightly pear-shaped pepper, while the 7 Pot Primo has got an elongated pod with a pointed tail. Also, the 7 Pot Primo gets wrinkles on its skin.
- Size: 7 Pot Primo is relatively bigger than Carolina Reaper, measuring up to 3 inches in length and 2 inches in width. However, Carolina Reaper is only 1-2 inches long and 1-1,5 inches wide.
3. Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
Though small in size, Carolina Reaper boasts of being the #3 hottest pepper in the world with an average Scoville heat unit (SHU) rating of 1,641,183.
Comparatively, 7 Pot Primo is slightly less hot, offering 1,473,480 SHU.
However, both peppers are excessively hot and can yield a burning sensation in the mouth.
4. Taste & Flavor
Besides their extreme heat or spiciness, Carolina Reapers have a sweet and fruity flavor. They are often described as having a citrusy flavor, providing a unique taste experience among the intense heat.
On the other hand, 7 Pot Primo packs a fruity and floral taste which is intense but also enjoyable. It is also linked with the taste having a hint of apricot or citrus.
5. Culinary Uses
Both peppers are versatile in preparing dishes and cuisines.
With their extreme heat, Carolina Reapers are often used in a pepper novelty or challenge in the culinary world. And some brave souls add these peppers to the spicy sauces, salsas, and even desserts.
Similar to Carolina Reaper, 7 Pot Primo contributes to creating intense spice to the dishes. A few chili aficionados relish preparing hot sauces, rubs, and spicy pickles made of these peppers.
6. Best Substitutes
Ghost Pepper, Habanero Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Habanero, and Cayenne Pepper Blend are some of the top substitutes for Carolina Reaper.
On the other hand, one can find some popular substitutes for 7 Pot Primo, such as Red Savina Habanero, Serrano Pepper, Scotch Bonnet, Ghost Pepper, and Aji Amarillo.
7. Price & Availablity
Carolina Reaper is comparatively more expensive than 7 Pot Primo because of its popularity and extreme heat.
Also, Carolina is widely available in some grocery stores and online retailers. But 7 Pot Primo is rarely found and available only from speciality pepper growers.
Carolina Reaper Vs 7 Pot Primo In Summary
| Attribute | Carolina Reaper | 7 Pot Primo |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Appearance | Red, bumpy, and wrinkled | Red, bumpy, and elongated |
| Heat level | 1,641,183 SHU | 1,473,480 SHU |
| Flavor | Fruity and citrusy | Earthy and smoky |
| Culinary uses | Hot sauces, salsas, and marinades | Hot sauces, salsas, and marinades |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Availability | Less available | More available |
| Substitutes | Ghost Pepper, Habanero Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Habanero, and Cayenne Pepper Blend | Red Savina Habanero, Serrano Pepper, Scotch Bonnet, Ghost Pepper, and Aji Amarillo |
From Editorial Team
Which pepper (Carolina Reaper Vs 7 Pot Primo) should you choose?
If you are a newbie to the world of superhot peppers, starting the journey with the 7 Pot Primo is safe.
However, if you are an experienced and avid pepper enthusiast, Carolina Reaper is the way to go, but you need to use it sparingly.
