Hottest chilli in the world – it’s official
Last updated at 15:18, Friday, 25 February 2011
A SOUTH Cumbrian chilli is the hottest in the world – and that’s official.
Cark based Gerald Fowler left his rivals hot under the collar after smashing the latest Guinness World Record within two weeks of it being set.
Grantham grower Nick Woods thought his Infinity Chilli had it in the bag with 1.17m Scoville Heat Units.
But Mr Fowler’s scorching Naga Viper is an eye-watering 1.3m SHU – enough to leave diners in tears.
His record-breaking chilli was this week officially recognised as the world’s hottest by the Guinness World Records.
Mr Fowler said: “I only found out on Tuesday, I checked my email – it was quite a surprise.
“This was the third time I have had it tested – I found out Nick had won when I was in hospital getting my hip replaced. I was worried I’d missed out for the year so I got in touch with Guinness and sent the information off.
“Everyone in the chilli growing world are business acquaintances. There’s bit of rivalry but nothing heavy, so it is satisfying to take it.
“It has gone absolutely crazy as more chefs are talking about it, people are always looking for the fastest car and now the hottest chilli.
“It will make a big difference to the business now we have this. We’re still reeling from getting it awarded. Against all the countries in the world, the UK is taking chilli growing by storm.”
Beaten chilli rival Mr Woods said he did not hold a grudge.
He said: “Gerald is a lovely guy and it couldn’t happen to a nicer bloke.
“We have had more than enough coverage and we are stuffed full of orders, there is something new coming along all the time – it’s the type of record you don’t hold for long.”
A spokesman for Guinness World Records said: “Guinness World Records have recently recognised the hottest chilli as the Naga Viper (Capsicum Chinense) grown by British chilli farmer, Gerald Fowler of ‘The Chilli Pepper Company’.
“It was rated at 1,382,118 Scoville Heat Units according to tests conducted by the Warwick HRI Mineral Analysis Laboratory, UK, in November 2010.”
Mr Fowler will receive a certificate recognising the feat later in the year.
First published at 13:24, Friday, 25 February 2011
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Certainly not at Iceland, Blandroid!
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Try the Chilli Pepper Co. in Cark!
Posted by Dr. Pepper on 27 February 2011 at 12:40