Scoville Scale

The Scoville Scale is a measurement of the spicy heat of a chili pepper. The number of Scoville heat units(SHU) indicates the amount of capsaicin present. Capsaicin is a chemical compound that stimulates chemoreceptor nerve endings in the skin, especially the mucous membranes.

This is named after its creator, American pharmacist Wilbur Scoville

Scoville heat units	Examples
15,000,000–16,000,000	Pure capsaicin
8,600,000–9,100,000	Various capsaicinoids (e.g., homocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin)
5,000,000–5,300,000	Law enforcement grade pepper spray, FN 303 irritant ammunition
855,000–1,463,700	Naga Viper pepper,Infinity Chilli, Bhut Jolokia chili pepper, Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper
350,000–580,000	Red Savina habanero
100,000–350,000	Habanero chili, Scotch bonnet pepper, Datil pepper, Rocoto, Madame Jeanette, Peruvian White Habanero, Jamaican hot pepper
50,000–100,000	Byadgi chilli, Bird's eye chili,Malagueta pepper,Chiltepin pepper, Piri piri (African bird's eye), Pequin pepper
30,000–50,000	Guntur chilli, Cayenne pepper, Ají pepper, Tabasco pepper, Cumari pepper (Capsicum Chinese), Chipotle
10,000–23,000	Serrano pepper, Peter pepper, Aleppo pepper
3,500–8,000	Espelette pepper, Jalapeño pepper, Guajillo pepper, New Mexican varieties of Anaheim pepper, Hungarian wax pepper, Tabasco sauce
1,000–2,500	Anaheim pepper, Poblano pepper, Rocotillo pepper, Peppadew
100–900	Pimento, Peperoncini, Banana pepper
0	No significant heat, Bell pepper, Cubanelle, Aji dulce