How hot is the African Devil?

The African Devil measures 40,000–120,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making it a very hot pepper — roughly 15 times hotter than a jalapeño (which tops out around 8,000 SHU).

African Devil

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Further InformationEdit

A C. frutescens variety. Ripens to red, habanero-type pods. Heat sits around 40,000–120,000 SHU — hot, with a lingering burn. Roots trace to Africa.

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NameAfrican Devil

Alternative Name(s)Peri; Piri

Universal Pepper Number (UPN)F-R-SM-H-7-001RegisteredHow UPN works

SpeciesC. frutescens

Scoville Heat Units (SHUs)40,000 - 120,000

Heat LevelVery Hot (100,001–500,000 SHU)

Mature Pod Color (Primary)Red

Pod FormHabanero-type

RegionAfrica

Discoverer/BreederLandrace - Africa

Immature Color(s)Green/Mustard

Further InformationEdit

A C. frutescens variety. Ripens to red, habanero-type pods. Heat sits around 40,000–120,000 SHU — hot, with a lingering burn. Roots trace to Africa.

LinksEdit

Last updated Oct 5, 2026