Here’s a newer in house ghost cross with plants with great yields. Pods start out green and ripen to a red chocolate. Pods have very good flavor and high heat likely well over 1,000,000. Pods are medium to thin walled and make very nice powder with very good flavour 

Capsicum Chinense 

SHU 1,000,000 /+ 

APS CHOCOLATE GHOST - The Dark Phantom

**Basic Info**  

Species: *Capsicum chinense*  

Origin: Atlantic Pepper Seeds (APS)  

Heat: Super-Hot (1,000,000+ SHU)  

Type: Dark chocolate-colored superhot variety  

**Story**  

The APS Chocolate Ghost is a peerless fusion of extreme heat and visual drama, combining the legendary potency of ghost pepper lineage with a rich chocolate-brown coloration that sets it apart from standard red or orange superhots. This variety represents the pinnacle of selective breeding for both heat intensity and aesthetic appeal.  

Ghost peppers have long been infamous for their scorching heat, but the Chocolate variant introduces a unique twist - its pods mature to a deep chocolate brown, creating a striking contrast against the plant's dark foliage. This coloration isn't just for show; the anthocyanin pigments responsible for the brown hue may contribute to a more complex flavor profile, with subtle smoky notes beneath the intense heat.  

Developed through years of careful selection, the APS Chocolate Ghost maintains the genetic traits that make ghost peppers legendary while improving yield consistency and pod uniformity. The plants are robust and productive, producing abundant harvests of 2-3 inch pods that ripen from green to their signature chocolate hue. Each pod carries the full force of superhot heat, making them a favorite among chili enthusiasts seeking both visual impact and extreme spiciness.  

In culinary applications, these peppers are used with extreme caution - a single pod can flavor an entire batch of sauce or seasoning. Their heat is described as intense but clean, with a fruity undertone that distinguishes them from other superhots. When dried, they develop a smoky complexity that enhances their versatility in powders and infused oils.  

For gardeners, the Chocolate Ghost offers the thrill of growing a world-class superhot with the bonus of ornamental value. The dark pods stand out beautifully against the foliage, making them conversation pieces in any pepper garden. However, they require experienced handling due to their extreme heat - gloves and eye protection are essential during harvest.  

**Plant**  

Medium to large (3-4 feet), bushy, typical *chinense* growth.  

**Pods**  

2-3 inches long, dark chocolate brown when ripe, slightly bumpy.  

**Flavor**  

Intense heat with subtle fruity and smoky notes.  

**Kitchen**  

Ultra-low-dose cooking, hot sauces, specialty powders.  

**Growing Tips**  

- 90-110 days to maturity  

- Full sun (8+ hours)  

- Warm climate, zones 10-11  

- Well-draining soil, consistent watering  

**Culinary Uses**  

- Hot sauce base (extreme dilution required)  

- Infused oils (use sparingly)  

- Dried for ground powder  

**Common Questions**  

Q: How does heat compare to Carolina Reaper?  

A: Similar intensity (1M+ SHU), with slightly smokier profile.  

Q: Why are they brown?  

A: Anthocyanin pigments create chocolate coloration without sacrificing heat.  

Q: Can beginners grow them?  

A: Only for experienced growers due to extreme heat.  

Q: Are they safe to handle?  

A: Always wear gloves - capsaicin can cause severe irritation.