Understanding Scoville Heat Units & SHU Pepper Chart

The Scoville Scale measures the pungency or spiciness of peppers in Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

The higher the SHU, the hotter the pepper:

0 SHU (No Heat): These peppers are sweet and have no detectable heat.
100–2,500 SHU (Very Mild Heat): Peppers like Bell Pepper and Pepperoncini fall into this category. They add just a hint of spice, making them suitable for most palates.
1,000–8,000 SHU (Mild Hot): Varieties such as Anaheim and Beaver Dam offer start to bring gentle warmth without overwhelming most tasters.
5,000–10,000 SHU (Hot): This range includes popular peppers like Jalapeños, providing a noticeable kick of heat. In culinary situations, it's widely recommended to handle while wearing gloves from here and up.
10,000–50,000 SHU (Very Hot): This range is for those who want more significant heat, peppers like Serrano and Paprik Organic.
75,000–350,000 SHU (Extremely Hot): This level is for serious heat seekers. Scotch Bonnet and Habanero deliver intense spiciness in this range.
900,000–2,200,000 SHU (Super Hot): The upper echelon of the scale includes the notable Ghost Chili, Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, and the Carolina Reaper. Grow and handle these with care.

Choose the Right Varieties: Decide on the pepper varieties based on your heat tolerance and culinary preferences. If you're new to growing peppers, starting with milder varieties might be a good idea.
Understand Optimal Growing Conditions: Peppers thrive in warm, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Ensure your garden bed or containers receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Consist Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and prevent weeds.
Fertilization: Use a balanced organic fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Too much nitrogen in the soil can result in lush foliage but few fruits.
Harvest time: Most peppers can be harvested when they reach their mature size and color. For a milder flavor, pick them early. If you prefer more heat, allow them to ripen fully on the plant.