Carolina Reaper: Manufactory, Not Mass-Produced (2.3 million)

Origin & Story

South Carolina, early 2010s. Ed Currie crosses Bhut Jolokia from India with red habanero from the Caribbean – and creates a monster. In 2013 the Carolina Reaper is officially crowned the world's hottest chilli. Unbeaten to this day.

The name? The sickle-shaped tail at the end of the fruit looks like the scythe of death. And yes, this isn't marketing – this thing means business.

It wasn't bred to taste good. It was bred to break every record. That it's got killer flavours anyway? Happy accident. That's exactly why I love it.

Highlights

On average 1,641,000 Scoville. Peaks up to 2,300,000. That's 800 times hotter than a jalapeño. But here comes the twist: just before your mouth catches fire, you taste cherry, citrus, dark chocolate. Tropical aromas that are completely unexpected.

That's exactly what makes it interesting to me. Heat alone? Boring. Any idiot can make something hot. But heat with depth? That's craft.

The chillies are round, wrinkled, with that characteristic tail. Our powder is bright red, superfine, heat-stable. A knife tip is enough for 2 kilos of meat. More is madness.

Quality

Ecuador. Intense sun. Harvested fully ripe by hand, deseeded, sun-dried. Gently bottled and packed by hand at the manufactory. No additives, no fillers, no bullshit. 100% Carolina Reaper, nothing else.

The best spices have always inspired me to create new dishes. Only the best is good enough to reach the very top – for you, in your kitchen. Just the way I use it myself, every day.

Tip from Tobias Funke

This isn't an everyday spice. This is surgical precision. I use a knife tip in a honey-vinegar marinade for wings or as a heat spike in a BBQ glaze. You don't need more. More isn't cooking any more, it's a dumb dare.

I always work with gloves. Always. Touch your face once without them – you'll never forget it. And keep the stuff away from children. Seriously.

Recommended use

• Making hot sauces or fermented chilli pastes
• Extremely hot BBQ glaze with butter or honey
• Careful dosing in stews, rubs or chilli con carne
• Only suitable for very experienced users with appropriate caution

Health warning

This here is dangerous. Not figuratively. Really dangerous. The smallest amounts can trigger violent reactions. Avoid contact with skin, eyes and mucous membranes.

Keep away from children. Wear gloves. Don't inhale. Dose with maximum caution. This is no joke, no exaggeration. Respect the stuff, or it'll destroy you.

Recipe idea

Hot Hot Hot Wings with Carolina Reaper
View recipe

Origin / Ingredients

Ecuador
Ingredients: Carolina Reaper chilli, ground (100%)
All ingredients are processed with craftsmanship at Manufaktur Funke.

Storage

Store in a dry place, away from light and airtight. Keep in a child- and pet-safe place.