What-Is
What are Heat Levels?
Heat levels categorize peppers from Mild to Extreme based on Scoville Heat Units. Learn the five tiers and how to choose peppers that match your tolerance.
Nov 8, 2025
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Define Scoville science, pepper anatomy, and chili vocabulary with SEO-friendly explainers.
Each primer pairs clear definitions with cross-links back to peppers and sauces.
Guide library
Heat levels categorize peppers from Mild to Extreme based on Scoville Heat Units. Learn the five tiers and how to choose peppers that match your tolerance.
Capsaicin is the chemical compound that makes peppers hot. Learn how it works, where it lives in the pepper, and why it triggers that fiery sensation.
Learn how the Scoville Scale measures chili pepper heat, from mild bell peppers at 0 SHU to extreme Carolina Reapers at 2,000,000+ SHU.
Keep exploring
Map heat levels, discover origins, and jump into full pepper dossiers.