Scorpion Peppers

Scorpion peppers are a variety of chili pepper, specifically *Capsicum chinense*. They originated in Trinidad and Tobago and are known for their extreme heat. The peppers are typically dried and ground into a powder or used fresh to make sauces and seasonings.

Scorpion peppers are used primarily as a flavoring agent to add intense heat and a fruity flavor to foods. They are most commonly found in hot sauces, BBQ sauces, marinades, and spicy snack foods.

Scorpion peppers are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. The capsaicinoids, such as capsaicin, that give peppers their heat may cause digestive upset in some individuals, especially at high doses. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated capsaicinoids, but specific evaluations of scorpion peppers themselves are not widely documented. Evidence on long-term health effects of consuming extremely spicy foods is mixed.