Chile Pepper Fun Fact - Bhut Jolokia aka the Ghost Pepper
What's up with the ghostly heat of the Ghost Pepper anyway...
The name Ghost Pepper simply comes from the chili’s official Indian name, the Bhut Jolokia. Bhut in Indian means “Ghost”. There are many variations on this name: ghost chili, Bhoot Jolokia, Naga Bhut Jolokia, Red Naga chili, and more. In fact, in India, the name for this chili differs from region to region. But we can all agree that in English, Ghost Pepper fits just perfectly − it scares the pants off of your taste buds.
Though what’s interesting about the Ghost’s spiciness is its slow burn. Some super-hots attack the front of your mouth with full force quickly. You know it’s dangerous the minute you bite. The Ghost Pepper plays differently. It’s extremely hot on first bite, but the heat slowly builds, moving to the back of your throat, and lingers for a prolonged time. For some, it can take 15 to 30 minutes to clear the intensity of the heat.
Because of this prolonged extreme heat and formidable name, the Ghost Pepper has become something of a legend in chili pepper eating dares. Many popular YouTube videos have been shot of people downing a raw Bhut Jolokia in a few quick bites. And then the body’s responses begin. Over time, the heat of this pepper will bring out hiccups, intense burning, numbness, eye-watering, and general sweating.