How Much Hotter Is Naga Morich Than a Jalapeño?
Naga Morich is hotter, at about 1,000,000 SHU against 5,000 SHU for Jalapeño: about 200× as hot, using typical values. Across the measured ranges the gap runs from 100× to 600×.
Data checked October 20, 2026 · How we rank and verify
Side by side
| Naga Morich | Jalapeño | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical heat | 1,000,000 SHU | 5,000 SHU |
| Measured range | 800,000–1,500,000 SHU | 2,500–8,000 SHU |
| Status | Breeder claim | Lab tested |
| Species | Capsicum chinense | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | Bangladesh (Sylhet) and Northeast India | Mexico (named after Xalapa, Veracruz) |
| Flavour | Intensely fruity, almost floral | Grassy, green-vegetal when unripe |
| Colours | red, orange | 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, 1,000,000 ÷ 5,000 ≈ 200×. Real pods vary, so the gap between any two fruits can be smaller or larger (100× to 600× across the measured ranges).
In between
14 peppers sit between Jalapeño and Naga Morich by typical heat.
- Dalle Khursani393,950 SHU
- Fatalii262,500 SHU
- Red Savina248,556 SHU
- Habanero225,000 SHU
- Scotch Bonnet225,000 SHU
- Datil200,000 SHU
- Kanthari80,640 SHU
- Bird's Eye Chilli75,000 SHU
About each pepper
Naga Morich: 'Morich' is a word for chilli in Bengali and related languages.
Jalapeño: A Mexican C.
Questions
Which is hotter, Naga Morich or Jalapeño?
Naga Morich. It averages about 1,000,000 SHU against 5,000 SHU for Jalapeño, about 200× as hot.
How many times hotter is Naga Morich than Jalapeño?
About 200× using typical values (1,000,000 ÷ 5,000). Comparing the extremes of each measured range gives anywhere from 100× to 600×.
How hot is Naga Morich?
Naga Morich: 800,000–1,500,000 SHU, breeder claim.
How hot is Jalapeño?
Jalapeño: 2,500–8,000 SHU, lab tested.
Are Naga Morich and Jalapeño the same species?
No. Naga Morich is Capsicum chinense; Jalapeño is Capsicum annuum.
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Sources
- Sarpras et al., PLoS One 11(12):e0167791 (2016): Naga Morich: Naga morich as a Nagaland name for the Bhut Jolokia group
- 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.