How Much Hotter Is Dorset Naga Than a Jalapeño?
Dorset Naga is hotter, at about 1,032,310 SHU against 5,000 SHU for Jalapeño: about 206× as hot, using typical values. Across the measured ranges the gap runs from 83× to 639×.
Data checked October 20, 2026 · How we rank and verify
Side by side
| Dorset Naga | Jalapeño | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical heat | 1,032,310 SHU | 5,000 SHU |
| Measured range | 661,451–1,598,227 SHU | 2,500–8,000 SHU |
| Status | Breeder claim | Lab tested |
| Species | Capsicum chinense | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | Dorset, England (from Bangladeshi Naga Morich) | Mexico (named after Xalapa, Veracruz) |
| Flavour | Fruity aroma | Grassy, green-vegetal when unripe |
| Colours | 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, 1,032,310 ÷ 5,000 ≈ 206×. Real pods vary, so the gap between any two fruits can be smaller or larger (83× to 639× across the measured ranges).
In between
16 peppers sit between Jalapeño and Dorset Naga by typical heat.
- Ghost Pepper1,001,304 SHU
- Naga Morich1,000,000 SHU
- Dalle Khursani393,950 SHU
- Fatalii262,500 SHU
- Red Savina248,556 SHU
- Habanero225,000 SHU
- Scotch Bonnet225,000 SHU
- Datil200,000 SHU
About each pepper
Dorset Naga: Selected from about 2001 by Joy and Michael Michaud (Peppers by Post / Sea Spring Seeds) from a Naga Morich plant bought at an Asian food shop in southern England.
Jalapeño: A Mexican C.
Questions
Which is hotter, Dorset Naga or Jalapeño?
Dorset Naga. It averages about 1,032,310 SHU against 5,000 SHU for Jalapeño, about 206× as hot.
How many times hotter is Dorset Naga than Jalapeño?
About 206× using typical values (1,032,310 ÷ 5,000). Comparing the extremes of each measured range gives anywhere from 83× to 639×.
How hot is Dorset Naga?
Dorset Naga: 661,451–1,598,227 SHU, breeder claim.
How hot is Jalapeño?
Jalapeño: 2,500–8,000 SHU, lab tested.
Are Dorset Naga and Jalapeño the same species?
No. Dorset Naga is Capsicum chinense; Jalapeño is Capsicum annuum.
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Sources
- 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.