Daily Dirt: We’re No. 1! We’re No. 1! In terms of spiciest food, U.S.A. reigns supreme

My mouth started to burn just writing the following … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,314 of The Daily Dirt.

1. There’s hot, and then there is HOT.

That is probably the most accurate characterization for Carolina Reaper salsa, made in the good ole U.S.A. (Fort Worth, Texas, to be exact) and ranked by a recent poll as the spiciest — also known as the hottest — food on the planet. Carolina Reaper salsa is exceptionally hot due to the high concentration of capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. 

The Carolina Reaper pepper itself holds the Guinness World Record for being the hottest pepper, reaching an average of 1.6 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). When consumed, the Carolina Reaper activates pain receptors in the mouth and tongue, triggering a sensation of burning or heat.

For those unfamiliar with the SHU rankings, “hot” is considered something like cayenne, which is 30,000 to 50,000 SHU. A ghost pepper is around 1 million on the SHU scale, so you can only imagine how intense a Carolina Reaper is.

These rankings are courtesy of connoisseur Drew Binsky, known for his travel vlogs and challenges. Binsky has explored hot food in various countries, with a focus on trying some of the spiciest dishes and peppers around the planet. Here are the rest of his top five:

• 2. Bhut Jolokia Pickle, India: Made from ghost peppers (or “Bhut Jolokia”) that are “explosively hot.”  Even a small bite can make your eyes water and mouth burn for an extended period. This dish earns about 1 million SHU.
• 3. Mala Hotpot, China: “Mala” means numbing and spicy, which should give you an idea of what these fiery chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns can do to a broth when they combine to attack your palate. 
• 4. Laal, Maas, India: A traditional Rajasthani meat curry made from mutton cooked in a rich, spicy gravy made with Mathania chili peppers. “Intense, sharp, pungent heat” best describes these chili peppers.
• 5. Jerk Chicken, Jamaica: Marinated with Scotch Bonnet peppers, which earns measurements of 100,000 to 300,000 SHU. Traditionally, it has a smoky flavor, due to being cooked over pimento wood.

2. Did you know (Part 394) …

• Before the 19th century, ketchup was believed to have medicinal qualities and was even sold as a tonic.
• It would take more 27 years to try every single apple variety in the world if you ate a different one each day.
• Chocolate milk was invented in Ireland.
• American Froot Loops and Froot Loops from other countries are totally different colors.
• The official state vegetable of Oklahoma is the watermelon.

3. We have a new bronze medalist in the ongoing Great Plate Debate IV of 2025. LA  D  DA  2, which I spotted twice in the same day, has earned a spot on the medal stand for the most creative personalized plates found in West-Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri.

The updated standings:

• Gold medal: DR FUNN 
• Silver medal: U BABE 1
• Bronze medal: LA  D  DA  2 
• Dropped out: WH15KY

Best of the rest over the past week:

• READLIL
• LIL HMR 3
• PAT T 100
• GOOSE 74

Steve Thought O’ The Day
What medicinal qualities did those in the 19th century think ketchup actually had? Specifically, it was thought to treat diarrhea, indigestion, jaundice and even rheumatism. Some people claimed it could heal broken bones. Wow, wonder what mustard could have done?