Greendoor - Bhut Jolokia Red – Chili Seeds

• Extreme heat: With over a million Scoville units, it is not for the faint-hearted and requires the utmost caution when handling.
• Intense aroma: Despite the heat, it possesses the typical, wonderfully fruity-lemony aroma of the Capsicum chinense family.
• Cult status: An absolute must-have for every “chillihead” and collector of extreme varieties.

Plant characteristics

Due to its tropical origins, the Bhut Jolokia requires plenty of warmth and time:

• Growth habit: The plant grows vigorously, spreading widely and becoming very bushy. It forms a sturdy, woody stem.
• Height: With good care in a pot, it reaches around 80 to 120 cm, often significantly more in a greenhouse.
• Leaves: Large, slightly wavy leaves in a rich dark green.
• Special feature: It has a very long germination and ripening period (up to 120 days after flowering), which is why an early start to the season is crucial.

The fruit

The appearance of the Bhut Jolokia Red already signals its danger:

• Shape: Elongated, tapering to a point and approximately 5 to 8 cm long. The surface is characteristically uneven, almost ‘wrinkled’ or warty.
• Colour progression: The pods ripen from a light green to an intense, bright red.
• Texture: The skin is relatively thin, making it ideal for producing powder.

Flavour & heat level

The Bhut Jolokia is known for its ‘insidious’ heat, which only fully develops after a few seconds.

• Heat level: 1,000,000+ SHU. On a scale of 1 to 10, it rates at 10+++.
• Aroma: A very intense, smoky-fruity aroma with distinct citrus notes. The sweetness is remarkable when fully ripe, provided one can tolerate the heat.

Usage

Due to its extreme heat, it should only be used in very small quantities:

• Hot sauces: The main ingredient for the world’s hottest sauces.
• Drying: Ideal for making chilli powder or flakes to season dishes with precision.
• Preserving: When preserved in oil, it releases its heat and aroma over a period of months.

Technical details

• Type: Capsicum chinense
• Contents: 10+ seeds
• Heat level: 10+ (Extremely hot)
• Germination time: 14 to 28 days at a constant 25–28 °C (heat mat recommended)
• Location: Very sunny, sheltered from the wind and warm; best in a greenhouse or in a very warm spot in the garden.

Safety warning

Caution: Always wear gloves when handling Bhut Jolokia seeds and fruits! Strictly avoid contact with eyes and skin. Keep away from children and animals.