Record-breaking Pepper X named world's hottest chili pepper after a decade of development

Pepper X surpassed the Carolina Reaper as the world's hottest chili pepper according to Guinness World Records, with a Scoville rating of 2.69 million.
Pepper X was created by expert pepper breeder Ed Currie through selective crossbreeding of the Carolina Reaper and other super-hot varieties.
The chemical capsaicin causes the intense burning sensation in chili peppers, which triggers pain receptors and releases endorphins.
Currie experienced hours of severe discomfort after tasting Pepper X and is keeping the seeds proprietary for now.
Researchers hope extremely hot peppers like Pepper X can help treat chronic pain, disease, and other medical conditions.