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Pepper X Vs Scorpion Pepper: 5 Differences You Need To Know

These days, hashtags, including #hottestpepper and #PepperX are never getting off Twitter and Instagram. But do you think there is any possible battle of Pepper X vs the Scorpion pepper?

Generally, Pepper X and Scorpion pepper are two of the hottest peppers in the world with over 2,000,000 SHU. However, they share several differences in origin, appearance, flavor, heat level and other profiles. 

If you are very new to the world of the hottest peppers, don’t miss the outcome of Pepper X vs the Scorpion pepper!

Pepper X Vs Scorpion Pepper: The Final Showdown 

Both Pepper X and the Scorpion pepper serve a variety of dishes, including salsa, hot sauces and others that need extreme hotness. 

Pepper X and Scorpion Pepper comparison
When ripe, Pepper X gets yellow, and Scorpion pepper becomes red.

Besides, they are used in spice challenge and other condiments. However, they have several differences between Pepper X and the Scorpion pepper. 

1. Origin

Pepper X is the crossbreed between Carolina Reaper and an undisclosed pepper. It was created by breeder Ed Currie in Fort Mill, South Carolina, in 2021. 

However, the Scorpion pepper is a hybrid of Habanero and Bhut Jolokia (Ghost pepper). It was developed in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 2000s. 

Though Guinness World Records named Scorpion pepper the world’s hottest pepper in 2012, Pepper X rules the title in 2023. 

2. Appearance

Color: Pepper X boasts yellow-green fruit, while Scorpion pepper possesses a bright orange pod.

Size: Pepper X is relatively smaller than the Scorpion pepper, with only 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. But, the Scorpion pepper gets 2-3 inches long and 1-2 inches wide.

Shape: Pepper X  possesses a rounded shape, while Scorpion pepper gets a more elongated shape with a pointed end.

Texture: Pepper X feels smooth on the skin, but Scorpion pepper boasts a more wrinkled texture.

3. Taste & Flavor

Pepper X possess a fruity flavor with a touch of sweetness. Also, you can notice a slightly earthy flavor.

On the other hand,  Scorpion pepper offers a citrusy flavor with a smoky undertone. Also, it holds a slightly floral aroma.

4. Heat Level

In terms of heat level, Pepper X offers over 3,180,000 SHU to become the hottest pepper in the world.

Though Scorpion pepper is also extremely hot, it can only register a rating of up to 2,000,000 SHU. So, Pepper X is simply hotter and spicier than the Scorpion pepper.

5. Substitutes

Pepper X is not available in the raw form; only you can get products made of it. So. you can have substitutes, including the Apollo pepper, Carolina reaper, Ghost pepper, etc. 

Besides, you can replace Scorpion pepper with hot peppers such as Scorpion Pepper, Habanero pepper, Cayenne pepper, and Red pepper flakes. 

Pepper X Vs Scorpion Pepper In Nutshell

CharacteristicPepper XScorpion Pepper
OriginCrossbreed between Carolina Reaper and an undisclosed pepperHybrid of Habanero and Bhut Jolokia (Ghost pepper)
ColorYellow-greenBright orange
Size2 inches long and 1 inch wide2-3 inches long and 1-2 inches wide
ShapeRoundedElongated with a pointed end
TextureSmoothWrinkled
Taste & FlavorFruity with a touch of sweetness and a slightly earthy flavorCitrusy with a smoky undertone and a slightly floral aroma
Heat LevelOver 3,180,000 SHUUp to 2,000,000 SHU
SubstitutesApollo pepper, Carolina reaper, Ghost pepper, etc.Scorpion pepper, Habanero pepper, Cayenne pepper, and Red pepper flakes

From Editorial Team 

Which pepper (Pepper X vs Scorpion pepper) do you need to grow?

Breeder, Ed Currie has not released the seeds of Pepper X, so you can have only hope with Scorpion pepper.

Once you grow Scorpion pepper successfully, you can harvest it within 90-120 days after planting.

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