The Trinidadian Scorpion pepper is a rare chili pepper hailing from the Caribbean. It is native to Trinidad and Tobago. These red, wrinkled peppers sport tails that resemble the scorpion, hence the name, and are known for their intense heat. The Trinidad Scorpion Pepper is among the hottest peppers in the world with a big range of heat. At a scorching 2,009,231 Scovilles (peak), the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion will wreak your stomach, burn your intestines and still be smoking on the way out. Many hot peppers are named after the location they originated from, just like this pepper came from Moruga, Trinidad. It is ranked #2 in the hottest peppers in the world.

The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper has a sweet, spicy taste to it. The fruity flavor is noticeable in the first taste of the chili. After that, tender sweetness fills your mouth, like a small amount of chili on a mango. There are also floral notes, but it might be hard to detect any flavor in the midst of its extreme heat. Then, as you are about to enjoy the last bit of chili pepper, the heat starts to build in your mouth.
You might be thinking at this point that it is not that bad, but this is just the beginning of the fiery fury that is coming your way. You might think to yourself, “oh, it’s been a little while, the heat should start to dissipate,” but then it only gets hotter. Your face starts to burn, and you do not even know how, but it feels like your lungs are on fire.
The heat intensifies even more when you think “it can’t possibly get any hotter than this.” The power of two hundred Jalapeños is about to unleash its final fury on your tongue, and there is nothing you can do to stop it. So, embrace the heat and stay the course until the heat slowly starts to turn into a sweet, fiery aftertaste that is worth the experience you just had.

If you want to amp up the heat in one of your favorite recipes, Scorpion peppers are the perfect way to do it. Just make sure that if the recipe calls for a traditional (i.e. milder) hot pepper, tone down the measurements of the Trinidad Scorpion, the heat SHU is much higher.
Usually, you only need one regular pepper to heat up your favorite recipe but with a Scorpion pepper, you will likely only need just a sliver. The seeds and white pulp surrounding the seeds also pack a big punch, so removing them will help you tone down the heat a little.
You can add Trinidad Scorpion to pretty much any recipe that calls that for hot peppers. Chili, salsa, guacamole, and barbeque sauce are some classic dishes. They also can be used to make great hot sauces and spice rubs.
But don’t forget that they aren’t for the faint of heart! If you’re not sure if you’ll be able to take the heat, have a glass of milk at the ready to extinguish a potential fire. A dairy product like yogurt or cheese will also successfully extinguish the Scorpion’s sting.

If you can get past the intense heat, you’ll be rewarded! The pepper has many great health benefits. You’ll experience a pleasant rush of endorphins when you’re eating a hot pepper. This will boost your mood and make you feel happy.
As surprising as it may sound, hot peppers are actually great for your digestive tract. If you tend to get ulcers, you may have been told you should avoid spicy foods. They can actually be good for you if you have an ulcer. If you have an upset stomach, reach for Trinidad Scorpion (or at least use it in a favorite recipe). It’s a natural, successful stomach settler.

There are main health benefits of eating Jalapeño pepper. Those are:
1. Helps fight migraines
2. Life longevity
3. Clears runny nose
4. Helps speed metabolism
5. Pain Relief
6. Helps heal arthritis
7. Helps fight Cáncer
8. Helps boost immune system
9. Promotes healthy heart
10. Helps digestive track
11. Relieves joint pain

Trinidad Moruga Scorpion fast facts
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 1,200,000 – 2,000,000 SHU
• Median heat: 1,600,000 SHU
• Origin: Trinidad
• Capsicum species: Chinense
• Jalapeño reference scale: 150 to 800 times hotter
• Use: Culinary
• Size: Approximately 2 to 3 inches long, wrinkled with a stinger
• Flavor: Sweet, Fruity