How Hot Is a Naga Chilli? Uncovering the Truth Behind Its Fiery Reputation

If you’ve ever dabbled in the world of spicy food, you’ve probably heard whispers of a chilli so intense it borders on mythical: the Naga chilli. But how hot is a Naga chilli, really? Let’s dive into the facts behind this fiery fruit, explore its Scoville rating, and learn how you can enjoy it without blowing your tastebuds off.

What Is a Naga Chilli?

The Naga chilli also known as Naga Morich is one of the world’s hottest chillies. Originally cultivated in Northeast India, especially in Nagaland and Assam, this chilli has found a second home right here in the UK, including on our very own Cornwall chilli farm.

The Heat Scale: How Hot Is a Naga Chilli?

When it comes to quantifying chili heat, the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale is the gold standard. So, how spicy is a Naga chilli actually? The Naga chilli is classified as superhot, with an average SHU value ranging from 800,000 to over 1,000,000.

To put this in perspective:

  • Jalapeño peppers have SHU levels ranging from 2,500 to 8,000, indicating mild to moderate heat.
  • Habanero peppers have a SHU rating of 100,000 to 350,000, which is already rather potent.
  • Naga chillies are hundreds of times hotter than jalapeños and almost three times the intensity of habanero peppers.

Naga chilies are popular among chilli lovers, competitive eaters, and daring cooks due to their high level of heat. However, because to their high capsaicin content, they should be handled with extreme caution—always wear gloves when cutting and avoid touching your eyes.

The Naga chilli Scoville grade also assists chefs and food enthusiasts in determining how to properly use this hot fruit. In little quantities, it gives amazing depth and smokiness to foods. However, in excess, it may overpower your palette (and probably your whole day!).

Close-up of Naga chillies showing their intense red color, illustrating how hot a Naga chilli is on the Scoville scale.

Naga chillies rank among the hottest in the world, with a Scoville rating of 800,000–1,000,000 SHU.

Understanding the Naga Chili Scoville Rating

To put it into perspective:

  • Jalapeño: ~5,000 SHU
  • Habanero: ~250,000 SHU
  • Naga Morich: ~1,000,000 SHU
  • Carolina Reaper (World’s hottest): ~2,200,000 SHU

That means Naga chillies are roughly 200 times hotter than a jalapeño. Handle with care!

Grown in Cornwall, Packed with Heat

At Cornish Chillies, we grow Naga chillies with precision, care, and most importantly heat. Grown in the unique microclimate of Cornwall, our Naga chillies develop a fruity aroma alongside their signature heat, making them ideal for both cooking and hot sauce making.

How to Use Naga Chillies

If you’re brave enough to use Naga chillies in your cooking, here are a few safety and flavour tips:

  • Use gloves when handling.
  • Start with small amounts—you can always add more.
  • Try them in hot sauces, curry pastes, or even infused oils.
  • Balance their heat with sweet or acidic ingredients like mango, tomato, or lime.

Want to Taste the Heat?

Looking for fresh chillies for sale or the hottest chilli sauces online?Browse our selection of Naga- invested gravies and hand- picked chillies grown on our Cornwall ranch. Whether you’re a spice fanatic or shopping for a daring foodie, we’ve got something to set your tongue tingling.

The Fiery Legacy of the Naga Chilli – Heat with Heritage

The Naga chilli strikes the ideal mix of heat, depth, and history; it’s not simply about blazing spice. The fruity, smokey flavor of this chilli, which may reach 1,000,000+ SHU on the Scoville scale, rewards daring chefs but also demands respect. More than just heat, this pepper gives a flavor of chilli heritage that’s worth trying, whether you’re making your own sauces, experimenting with fiery curries, or just wondering how hot is a Naga chilli?