Well, what can I say? These were not as bad as I expected them to be, while simultaneously being ridiculously spicy. I had two today, one in a couple bites and one whole. The first really upped my confidence – it wasn't nearly as bad eating it in a few bites. Eating it whole was a different experience altogether.
It was among the largest of the lot, so it filled my mouth almost entirely. This hit the back of my throat, which absolutely scorched my tonsils and soft palate. I have tonsillar hypertrophy, and spicy foods can give me a sore throat from hell. A minute later, coming up, I started to feel a little bit of regret about my approach. I was home by myself and would be for some time, and I had no idea what to expect. I started envisioning all of the lore surrounding these peppers and how many terrible reactions I've seen on YouTube. I realized I may be in too deep. Admittedly, a wave of panic hit that lasted a few minutes. I took down some ice water. Eventually, the burning began to plateau, and I regained my confidence. Truthfully, I was expecting a bit more. That sudden rush of heat, however, hit me like a freight train.
The flavor? Amazing. So floral and fruity, I think it was the most delicious pepper I've ever had. If you're afraid of superhot chiles, I would still encourage you to consider trying one without the pith. The flavor is less intense, but the heat is so absent. It would be worth the experience, in my opinion.
It's been a while now since I ate the pepper. For context, I've been straight edge sober for over a decade, and I consider extremely spicy foods to be as mind altering as I'm comfortable with. With as low of a tolerance as I have for such substances, it left me trembling and "buzzing" for an hour and a half or so afterwards, similar to a runners high.
So good, though! I'm sure the novelty will wear off, but a little voice in my heart keeps telling me to go have another.
by HalloweenWhoreNights
3 Comments
For those with experience, how do these Amazon “Birch and Meadow” reapers compare to others that have been a bit more loved? Are these reapers mild, or are others going to be of at least a slightly similar potency?
Why does it say carolina pepper on the label of the container and not say carolina reaper
I have these and after ate a whole one I said never again. My insides felt like I was making a hole in my stomach and literally everything in my body felt like I was almost hallucinating or having a heart attack 😂 I’ll eat reaper sauces but just straight reaper is too uncomfortable.
Something I did though was when I make chili, I’ll get out like a cheese grater and shave off some of it into the chili to give it a small kick.