Tesco has launched what it claims is the “hottest-ever commercially-grown” chilli pepper into stores this week.
The Komodo Dragon chilli – which measures up to 1.4 million Scoville units – is grown for Tesco by the UK’s largest chilli grower, Salvatore Genovese, based in Blunham, Bedfordshire.
In comparison, a jalapeno pepper used in many pizza toppings measures 3,500 Scovilles, while the very hot Scotch Bonnet is rated up to 350,000 Scovilles, Tesco said.
Komodo Dragon chillis are now on sale in 500 stores in 15g packets sold for £1.
“In recent years we’ve had the fearsome Dorset Naga, the searing Bhut Jolokia and the mouth-numbing Trinidad Scorpion,” said Tesco chilli buyer, Eleanor Mansell. “But they all pale in comparison to the UK’s latest commercially-grown chilli pepper – the mighty Komodo Dragon which puts the others in the shade.”
Mansell said the Komodo Dragon is unusual because it has a delayed reaction that 'lulls you into a sense of false security”.
“At first you can taste a wonderful hot fruitiness but then after about 10 seconds the full might of this little demon hits you and your whole mouth is aglow,” she said. “This is definitely a chilli pepper for connoisseurs and for those who are experienced in eating really, superhot food.”
Grower Genovese, who started growing chilli peppers 15 years ago after he took over his parents’ cucumber business, said hot chillis are the one that create the most interest. “So each year I try and grow one hotter than the last. I have chilli heads, as they’re known, contacting me from all over the world asking for samples,” he said.
“The Komodo Dragon should be livening up meal times over the coming months. I’d seriously advise anyone not experienced in eating really hot chilli peppers to have some milk or yoghurt ready as a standby to douse the flames.”
Genovese grows about one million chillis, or 15 tonnes, each week, on his seven-acre farm. Komodo Dragon chilli peppers will be available in Tesco until November.
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