Let’s have a duel between Scorpion pepper vs Ghost pepper!
Do you go crazy for scorpion peppers, which are beautiful on the outside but can be as hot as fire when we play with them?
Or do you like ghost peppers, also called “sneaky mother” because there is a fifteen- or twenty-second delay before the burn starts?
If you said “yes” to any of these intriguing questions, you should proceed to read this article in the way most suitable to your needs.
Short answer:
Thus, let’s make a clear distinction between these two peppers!
Here, you’ll learn about the difference between them:
- Composition
- Color
- Taste
- Uses
- Price
Are you ready?
Let’s begin…
What Is Scorpion Pepper?
In the Caribbean, it’s called the Trinidad Scorpion pepper – a type of chili pepper.
You can find it only on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
These red, wrinkled peppers have tails that look like those of a scorpion, which is why they’re called scorpion peppers.
They’re known for their strong hot pepper flavor and heat.
What Is Ghost pepper?
The ghost pepper is also popular as Bhut Jolokia.
You may not be well aware of it, but it came from India and was called Bih Jolokia and Nagahari and Raja Mircha and Raja chili.
The word “Bhut” comes from the Bhutias, who live in the Indian country.
In this case, “ghost,” which means “heat,” was used because it sneaks up on people eating it.
The ghost pepper is a small chili that is usually red or orange.
It can be bumpy or smooth on the outside.
The peppers are about 2.5-3.5 inches long and about 1 inch wide, the same size as your thumb.
The 5 Key Differences Between Scorpion Pepper vs Ghost Pepper
| Pepper/ Price (per pound) | Composition | Color | Taste | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scorpion pepper / $20-$30 | 1.2 million-2 million Scoville heat units, containing capsaicin, vitamins C, A, and E, and antioxidants. | Red, with a slightly wrinkled texture. | Fruity, sweet, and intensely hot. | Used in hot sauce, salsa, and as a spice. |
| Ghost pepper / $10-$20 | 800,000-1 million Scoville heat units, contains capsaicin, vitamin C, and vitamin A. | Red or green, with a smoother texture than the Scorpion pepper. | Fruity, sweet, and deeply spicy. | Used in hot sauce, chips, and chili. |
Here, you’ll learn about the difference between them: their composition, color, taste, the way we use them and their price
1. Composition
According to foodiesfamily.com, the Trinidad Scorpion weighs about 1,200,000 SHU to 2,000,000 SHU.
On the other hand, Ghost peppers are only 855,000 to 1,041,427 Scoville heat units.
2. Color
The Trinidad Scorpion is different from the Ghost pepper because of its appearance.
Scorpion peppers are easy to spot because of their bulbous wrinkles and a length of one to two inches.
Even more important, it always has a scorpion stinger, making them look scary.
Also, they have green stems, green leaves, and creamy-yellow flowers that make up the plant’s features.
Meanwhile, this is what happens when a Ghost pepper is fully grown: It turns a dark red color.
However, many different ghost peppers come in diverse colors, like the yellow ghost pepper, the chocolate ghost pepper, and more.
Each kind can grow up to about 3.5 inches.
When you touch their long, pendant-shaped pods, they always have rough skin.
3. Taste
It’s hard to decide which pepper tastes better because of the higher spicy level.
Other tastes might be very hard to determine.
Besides, most people will only taste them a little bit in hot sauces and salads with many other ingredients mixed in.
At the same time, both of them have a surprising amount of sweetness from the fruit.
The Trinidad Scorpion tastes more like a Thai chili pepper than a ghost pepper, which has a smoky taste.
It has a delicate fruity taste that makes it a mix of sweet and spicy.
There is a reason the little wrinkled peppers look scary.
How? That is because they are famous for being one of the hottest peppers in the world!
However, Ghost peppers also have a very strong fruity and sweet chili taste that is unique.
Hence, it takes about 30 to 45 seconds for the heat to appear in your body.
As the heat rises, you should expect to sweat, have watery eyes, and hiccup. After all, ghost peppers aren’t just hot.
They taste like many other peppers you might have tried, but it seems that many chili fans prefer them to other peppers.
4. Uses
When handling Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Pepper, you should be very careful!
Why? It is one of the world’s spiciest peppers, and it should be handled with extreme care at all times.
Som you need to use them sparingly and only when you need a lot of heat.
You can make salsa, chili sauce, soups, and fresh salsa, chili, and sauces.
Additionally, you can use it in baking cornbread or mix it with ground beef to make a Scorpion Burger.
By crushing dried Scorpion peppers in oil and then filtering the mixture, it will give you a hot chili oil!
When it comes to curries, pickling brine, and chutneys, the ghost pepper is used to create tasty yet spicy recipes.
Aside from that, it is a famous ingredient in spicy sauces and meals in the West.
Ghost peppers can also make their way into sweets!
Because the ghost pepper is so hot, it’s a staple of many eating contests and drunken challenges worldwide.
Fun Fact: Indians consume ghost peppers to cool off through sweating in the hot summer months. They also utilize them to treat gastric issues. Really! Furthermore, ghost peppers plants can also help deter elephants and other animals from crossing fences.
5. Price
Scorpion pepper is somewhat more expensive than ghost pepper.
The price is $9.95, while the ghost pepper is around $5.95.
Additionally, both ingredients are commonly accessible in supermarkets and online retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Here you are, now you might have a better understanding of Scorpion Pepper vs Ghost Pepper. Both Trinidad scorpions and ghost peppers have very different tastes, even though they look the same physically.
These peppers have a very high level of spiciness that is not fit for raw consumption.
Ideally, these peppers are being processed into other products like sauces.
Although spices may have a delicious effect on food, remember that you must consume them in moderation.
Humans have a unique trait that other animals don’t have: We often look for certain foods because of their spice.
