Carolina Reaper, Golden

Description

Carolina Reaper, Golden has one of the most unusual colours in the Reaper family. The pods have everything that makes a Reaper recognisable — gnarled, blistered skin, deep folds and, on most pods, the stinger tail — but the colour is hard to pin down. A mustard-like yellow with a green cast runs through the ripening, and at some stages the pods turn a surprisingly convincing gold. A well-loaded plant is a striking sight.

The flavour is fruity, which suits hot sauces and ferments, and a little goes a very long way.

The heat is Reaper-class. No laboratory test of the golden form has been published; for reference, the red Carolina Reaper averages 1,641,183 SHU in lab testing. Treat it with exactly the same respect — gloves for cutting, and the smallest amount in cooking.

This line is not fully stabilised. Expect the occasional pod that differs in colour or shape, and isolate the plants if you want to save seed. Like every Reaper, it is a late, long-season superhot: start it early and give it warmth, light and plenty of root room.

Categories: C. chinense , Super hot , Easy to grow