This new variety a APS  exclusive. Has very good flavour and grows very well in cooler climates with very high yields of extremely hot red ghost pods that have a little fruity flavor and make excellent powder. This variety comes from four super hot varieties mixs together over many years and now is showing to be stable with first green then Orange and ripens a deep red 

Capsicum Chinense

SHU 1,300,000+

AI Gen

APS GHOST PEPPER RED - The Classic Inferno

**Basic Info**  

Species: *Capsicum chinense*  

Origin: India / Global cultivation  

Heat: Super-Hot (855,000-1,041,427 SHU)  

Type: Classic red ghost pepper variety  

**Story**  

The APS Ghost Pepper Red represents the quintessential ghost pepper experience - the original red variant that first brought the *Bhut Jolokia* to global fame. Originating in the northeastern states of India, particularly in the Assam and Nagaland regions, this pepper has been cultivated for centuries by local farmers who recognized its extraordinary heat and unique flavor profile.  

The name 'ghost pepper' (or 'Bhut Jolokia' in local dialect) references both its intense heat and its elusive nature - the pods can appear almost magically on the vine, ripening from green to a vibrant red that signals peak heat. Historically, these peppers were used not only for culinary purposes but also as a natural deterrent, with reports of the heat being used in elephant repellents and military-grade pepper sprays.  

What makes the red ghost pepper so legendary is its deceptive heat. The flavor profile is initially fruity and slightly sweet, with notes of citrus and earthiness. But within 30 seconds of consumption, the heat begins to build, reaching its peak intensity after several minutes and lingering for up to thirty minutes. This slow burn is characteristic of the *chinense* species and makes each bite a deliberate, intense experience.  

In culinary traditions, the red ghost pepper is used with extreme caution. Its heat makes it ideal for creating potent hot sauces, marinades, and spice blends where a little goes a long way. The pods are often dried and ground into powders that retain their intense heat and complex flavor. For gardeners, the variety offers the thrill of growing a world-famous superhot, though it requires careful handling and experienced cultivation.  

The APS selection has been refined for consistent pod size, color, and heat level, ensuring that each harvest delivers the classic ghost pepper experience. The plants are robust and productive, capable of reaching 3-4 feet in height and producing abundant harvests of 2-3 inch pods.  

**Plant**  

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

**Pods**  

2-3 inches long, bright red when ripe, classic ghost pepper shape.  

**Flavor**  

Fruity, slightly sweet, with intense delayed heat.  

**Kitchen**  

Hot sauces, marinades, dried powder.  

**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 production  

- Dried powder  

- Extreme BBQ sauces  

**Common Questions**  

Q: How hot is the red ghost pepper?  

A: 855,000-1,041,427 SHU - among the world's hottest.  

Q: Why is the heat delayed?  

A: Capsaicin builds slowly, creating a gradual but intense burn.  

Q: Can beginners grow them?  

A: Only for experienced growers due to extreme heat.  

Q: What makes it unique?  

A: Classic ghost pepper with balanced fruitiness and extreme heat.