If you thought the habanero chili was the hottest chili pepper, you’re way off. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the record belongs to the Bhut jolokia chili pepper, which can reach 800,000-1,000,000 Scoville Units, compared to a habaneros’ “only” 200,000-300,000.
Check out this Associated Press feature, which features a short video on the culture and geography of the region where Bhut jolokia peppers are cultivated as well as audio of the reporter stupidly boldly eating one whole.