The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Chile Challenge
The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Chile Challenge
Do you have what it takes to try the hottest pepper in the world? The Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Chile is the world’s hottest pepper registering up to 1.2 million Scoville Heat Units (1 of these peppers packs the heat of 400 jalapeños).
Chef/restaurateur Geeta Bansal, owner of the Clay Oven in Irvine, is betting a whole lot of heat-seeking food fanatics as she rolls out a special lamb dish featuring the tiny, ultra-piquant fruit as its key ingredient.
Anyone who consumes and entire portion of the Shiv, available through September 30, will receive a certificate acknowledging the feat and will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win Clay Oven’s Thanksgiving Tandoori Turkey, a perennial favorite that sells out months in advance. (The Shiv is named after the god of creation and destruction known for performing a fiery Tandav dance.)
New Mexico State University’s Chile Pepper Institute identified the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion as the hottest chile in the world. Paul Bosland, director of the Institute, says that the capsaicin in peppers makes them spicy and the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion contains an exceptionally high amount of the chemical compound.
Bansal says not to worry, the Shiv will balance the hot spice with other components to appeal to those “who may not like to take a walk on the hot and wild side.”
So what are you waiting for? Bring your camera and a towel in case you sweat and see if you can manage this challenge. And don’t forget to post pics if you do!!!
Clay Oven is located at 15435 Jeffrey Road, Irvine, CA 92618. Visit www.clayovenirvine.com. Call (949)-552-2851 for more information.
