carolina reaper chilli pepper

Beware the chilli-eating competition! A 34-year-old competitor is New York State was hospitalised, suffering from ‘thunderclap’ headaches and neck pain, days after the event, as his arteries had constricted. Yikes!

It’s a salutary tale for show-offs, but the name of the offending pepper offers a clue to its potency. Say no to the ‘Carolina Reaper’, folks.