How Much Hotter Is Byadgi Chilli Than a Jalapeño?
Byadgi Chilli is hotter, at about 10,000 SHU against 5,000 SHU for Jalapeño: about 2× as hot, using typical values. Across the measured ranges the gap runs from 0.6× to 6×.
Data checked October 20, 2026 · How we rank and verify
Side by side
| Byadgi Chilli | Jalapeño | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical heat | 10,000 SHU | 5,000 SHU |
| Measured range | 5,000–15,000 SHU | 2,500–8,000 SHU |
| Status | Lab tested | Lab tested |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | Byadgi, Haveri district, Karnataka, India (also Dharwad and Gadag) | Mexico (named after Xalapa, Veracruz) |
| Flavour | Mild, aromatic | Grassy, green-vegetal when unripe |
| Colours | deep red | green, red (ripe) |
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, 10,000 ÷ 5,000 ≈ 2×. Real pods vary, so the gap between any two fruits can be smaller or larger (0.6× to 6× across the measured ranges).
About each pepper
Byadgi Chilli: Named after the town of Byadgi in Haveri district, it is famous for its wrinkled pods and deep red colour.
Jalapeño: A Mexican C.
Questions
Which is hotter, Byadgi Chilli or Jalapeño?
Byadgi Chilli. It averages about 10,000 SHU against 5,000 SHU for Jalapeño, about 2× as hot.
How many times hotter is Byadgi Chilli than Jalapeño?
About 2× using typical values (10,000 ÷ 5,000). Comparing the extremes of each measured range gives anywhere from 0.6× to 6×.
How hot is Byadgi Chilli?
Byadgi Chilli: 5,000–15,000 SHU, lab tested.
How hot is Jalapeño?
Jalapeño: 2,500–8,000 SHU, lab tested.
Are Byadgi Chilli and Jalapeño the same species?
Yes, both are Capsicum annuum.
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Sources
- IP India GI Registry, application 129 (Byadagi Chilli): Byadgi Chilli: GI dates and numbers
- Spices Board India, 'List of GI Tags Registered for Spices' (as of 15/09/2026): Byadgi Chilli: GI certificate date and validity
- Texas AgriLife Extension (Dr. Joe Masabni), 'Jalapeno & Other Hot Peppers': Jalapeño: 3,500-4,500 average
- NDSU Extension FN584 'From the Garden to the Table: Salsa!': Jalapeño: 2,500-5,000
Full source lists are on each pepper's page.