Long known as the hottest chili in the world, this title never convinced me personally. There are always persistent rumors circulating online about the authenticity of the stated 2.2 million Scoville rating of this chili variety. This doesn't make growing and tasting the Carolina Reaper any less interesting. The pods can look really impressive with the characteristic sting that characterizes the Reaper. And no matter whether it's 2.2 million or not quite so much, this chili variety is not for beginners!