7 Pot Primo vs Carolina Reaper
Carolina Reaper is hotter, at about 1,641,183 SHU against 1,400,000 SHU for 7 Pot Primo: about 1.2× as hot, using typical values. Across the measured ranges the gap runs from 1.1× to 1.6×.
Data checked October 20, 2026 · How we rank and verify
Side by side
| 7 Pot Primo | Carolina Reaper | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical heat | 1,400,000 SHU | 1,641,183 SHU |
| Measured range | up to 1,473,480 SHU | up to 2,200,000 SHU |
| Status | Breeder claim | Guinness record |
| Species | Capsicum chinense | Capsicum chinense |
| Origin | Louisiana, USA | Fort Mill / Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA |
| Flavour | Fruity, with a floral scent | Fruity and sweet, with a hint of cinnamon and chocolate undertones (Guinness description) |
| Colours | red, orange, yellow | red |
The Scoville maths
The Scoville scale is linear: a pepper at 2,000,000 SHU has twice the capsaicinoids of one at 1,000,000 SHU. So the ratio is a simple division, 1,641,183 ÷ 1,400,000 ≈ 1.2×. Real pods vary, so the gap between any two fruits can be smaller or larger (1.1× to 1.6× across the measured ranges).
In between
1 pepper sits between 7 Pot Primo and Carolina Reaper by typical heat.
- Trinidad Scorpion Butch T1,463,700 SHU
About each pepper
7 Pot Primo: Created around 2005 by Troy Primeaux ('Primo'), a horticulturist linked to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Carolina Reaper: Bred by Ed Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company.
Questions
Which is hotter, 7 Pot Primo or Carolina Reaper?
Carolina Reaper. It averages about 1,641,183 SHU against 1,400,000 SHU for 7 Pot Primo, about 1.2× as hot.
How many times hotter is Carolina Reaper than 7 Pot Primo?
About 1.2× using typical values (1,641,183 ÷ 1,400,000). Comparing the extremes of each measured range gives anywhere from 1.1× to 1.6×.
How hot is 7 Pot Primo?
7 Pot Primo: up to 1,473,480 SHU, breeder claim.
How hot is Carolina Reaper?
Carolina Reaper: up to 2,200,000 SHU, guinness record.
Are 7 Pot Primo and Carolina Reaper the same species?
Yes, both are Capsicum chinense.
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- Carolina Reaper vs HabaneroCarolina Reaper 7.3×
- Naga Viper vs Carolina ReaperCarolina Reaper 1.2×
- 7 Pot Douglah vs Carolina ReaperCarolina Reaper 1.4×
- Trinidad Scorpion Butch T vs Carolina ReaperCarolina Reaper 1.1×
Sources
- Guinness World Records news, 19 Nov 2013: Carolina Reaper: 1,569,300 SHU average; parentage per Guinness; previous holder Butch T
- Guinness World Records (record page, archived 24 Dec 2014): Carolina Reaper: record text: average 1,569,300 SHU, Winthrop tests throughout 2012, dated 7 Aug 2013
Full source lists are on each pepper's page.