The Scoville Heat Units indicate the amount of capsaicin present in a pepper. The higher the unit, the more intense heat. Capsaicin is a chemical irritant for mammals that produces a burning sensation in any tissue it comes in contact with. Make sure to wear gloves when handling chili peppers to avoid the burning sensation. 

What is the spiciest pepper you have ever tried?

Bell Pepper

Scoville Heat Units: 0 SHU

Bell peppers produce no capsaicin and no heat, it is one of the most popular pepper varieties. Bell peppers can be consumed fresh, cooked, and even dried like the other pepper varieties. Red bell pepper is dried and grounded to make paprika, a popular spice that may already be sitting on your shelf. It has truly endless possibilities.

Shishito Pepper

Scoville Heat Units: 50 - 200 SHU

Shishito pepper may have some heat that you barely notice. Every once in a while, you may encounter a Shishito pepper with a bit more heat but still comfortable enough to handle. Shishito pepper is praised as a star ingredient for appetizers and bar snacks. One tip for handling Shishito pepper is to poke a hole in each pepper before cooking. This will keep expanding hot air from bursting the pepper open.  

Cubanelle Pepper

Scoville Heat Units: 100 - 1,000 SHU

Cubanelle peppers have a comfortable level of heat that is a good starting point for people who want to try spicy pepper. The thin wall is best suited for pan-frying. A quick toss around the pan with olive oil and salt will bring out the mild sweet heat. 

Long Hot Pepper

Scoville Heat Units: 100 - 1,000 SHU

Long hot pepper has a mild level of heat similar to that of the Cubanelle pepper. The mild heat is extra crisp with a fresh bite. The thin walls are easily charred to bring out a smoky sweetness that is hard to resist.

Anaheim Pepper

Scoville Heat Units: 500 - 2,500 SHU

Anaheim pepper varies from mild heat to "beginning to sweat" level. The sweet peppery flavor grows sweeter as the pepper matures, bringing on a fruity tone. On the upper scale of the Anaheim pepper, you will feel the warmth lingering in your mouth.

Jalapeno Pepper 

Scoville Heat Units: 2,500 - 8,000 SHU

A jalapeno pepper has a moderate level of heat that has a little kick to it. The hot crack jalapeno pepper has more heat that makes you start to sweat. Typically, the jalapeno pepper is picked and consumed when they are still green in color. The bright, grassy flavor goes well with any cuisine. As the jalapeno matures and turns red, the flavor becomes sweeter with more heat.

Hungarian Wax Pepper

Scoville Heat Units: 1,000 - 15,000 SHU

Hungarian wax pepper looks the same as banana pepper but with much more bite. The lower end of the spectrum has a comfortable level of heat, while the higher end makes you sweat. The slightly tangy-sweet flavor is often found in mole sauces and pickling.

Serrano Pepper

Scoville Heat Units: 10,000 - 23,000 SHU

Serrano pepper has a substantial level of heat that is often underestimated due to its delayed reaction. The rush of heat does not strike until a moment later. The flavor is similar to jalapeno pepper but with more heat. The earthy, grassy flavor is a great substitute for jalapeno recipes calling for more punch.

Finger Hot Pepper

Scoville Heat Units: 20,000 - 30,000 SHU

Finger hot pepper has a solid medium heat that sits in the upper range of acceptable heat levels for moderate spicy tolerance individuals. The light fruity flavor resembles an apple and is quite popular in Indian cuisines.

Thai Chili Pepper

Scoville Heat Units: 50,000 - 100,000 SHU

Thai chili pepper has an intense level of heat that feels more than enough. Another name for this pepper is bird's eye chili because birds often help spread the seeds since they are not affected by the capsaicin, and the seed looks like a bird's eye. The pepper seeds are especially spicy.

Habanero Pepper

Scoville Heat Units: 100,000 - 350,000 SHU

Habanero pepper is one of the hottest fresh pepper you will find in the grocery store. Habanero pepper consists of an absurd level of heat that you should use with caution. This does not affect its popularity as the pepper is beloved for its fruity flavors with citrus notes and flowery aroma that goes along with the heat. You can decrease the heat by removing the inner white piths.

Jamaica Hot Pepper

Scoville Heat Units: 100,000 - 350,000 SHU

Jamaica hot pepper has a similar level of heat as the habanero pepper. A punch of heat straight to your mouth. They also have a similar appearance but the Jamaica hot pepper is a bit smaller than the habanero, and averages to half an inch smaller in size. Jamaica hot pepper has a more fruity flavor that pairs well with tropical fruits.