The truth about Hot Ones sauces

Summary

This video investigates the notorious spiciness of Hot Ones sauces, particularly focusing on Da' Bomb Beyond Insanity, which is often perceived as the hottest despite being ranked lower. Through Scoville heat tests and scientific analysis, the video explores how peppers evolved to be spicy and why Da' Bomb feels hotter than expected. It also delves into the world of competitive chili breeders like Smokin’ Ed Currie and the marketing strategies behind super-hot sauces. The conclusion reveals that Hot Ones’ sauce rankings are often inaccurate, with Da' Bomb being far spicier than previously believed.

Takeaways

• 😀 Da' Bomb Beyond Insanity is perceived as hotter than other sauces, despite having a lower Scoville rating.
• 🌶️ The Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) measures the concentration of capsaicin, but doesn't always reflect how heat is perceived.
• 🔥 Capsaicin, the compound responsible for spiciness, binds to receptors in the body and causes a burning sensation, a defense mechanism in peppers.
• 🧪 The Scoville scale was invented in 1912 by Wilbur Scoville, but modern testing uses high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for more accurate measurements.
• 🧑‍🔬 Hot sauces are often diluted or concentrated, which can alter their heat perception despite similar Scoville ratings.
• 🧳 *Hot Ones* creators deliberately escalate the heat levels, but some sauces like Da' Bomb feel disproportionately hot due to capsaicin extract concentration.
• 💡 Testing in the show was funded by Patreon members and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, supporting science communication.
• 🌡️ The perceived heat in sauces like Da' Bomb and others may not correspond with their listed Scoville ratings, challenging the accuracy of the scale.
• 💥 Hot sauces such as Da' Bomb have a high concentration of capsaicin extract, leading to an overwhelming heat experience despite not having a high SHU rating.
• 🎬 The investigation highlights the disconnect between marketing (exaggerated SHU numbers) and scientific testing (accurate but often less dramatic findings).
• 👨‍🔬 The chili-head community, which debates the hottest peppers and sauces, has fueled curiosity and skepticism about capsaicin concentrations and their real effects.

Q & A

Why is 'Da Bomb Beyond Insanity' considered hotter than 'The Last Dab' on *Hot Ones*?

'Da Bomb Beyond Insanity' is ranked eighth on the *Hot Ones* lineup, but tests have shown that it contains more capsaicin than the sauces ranked higher, including 'The Last Dab.' Despite being advertised as less intense, 'Da Bomb' delivers a punch that overwhelms guests much earlier in the show.

What is capsaicin, and how does it contribute to the spiciness of chili peppers?

Capsaicin is a chemical compound found in chili peppers that binds to pain receptors in the body, creating the sensation of heat. It doesn't cause actual burning but tricks the brain into thinking there is physical heat, which results in the spicy sensation people feel when eating hot peppers.

How did the *Hot Ones* team determine that some sauces are hotter than their Scoville ratings suggest?

The *Hot Ones* team conducted scientific tests using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure the actual capsaicin content in various hot sauces. The tests revealed that some sauces, including 'Da Bomb,' had significantly higher levels of capsaicin than their advertised Scoville ratings, indicating that the perceived heat might be misleading.

What is the history behind the Scoville scale, and how is it used to measure spiciness?

The Scoville scale, developed in 1912 by chemist Wilbur Scoville, measures the heat of peppers and hot sauces by diluting the extract with sugar water until the heat is no longer detectable. The number of dilutions gives a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating, which is used to quantify the spiciness of various foods.

Why does 'Da Bomb Beyond Insanity' feel hotter than some other sauces with higher Scoville ratings?

'Da Bomb' contains more capsaicin than some sauces ranked above it. Its combination of ingredients and extraction methods makes it feel more intense than what its Scoville rating suggests. The sensation of heat can also be influenced by the specific chemical composition and the way it interacts with the body’s receptors.

What role does the pepper *Pepper X* play in the *Hot Ones* lineup?

*Pepper X* is one of the hottest peppers in the world, created by Smokin’ Ed Currie, the mastermind behind the Carolina Reaper. It has a Scoville rating that exceeds even the Reaper and is used in some of the hottest sauces on *Hot Ones*, including the infamous 'Pepper X' sauce. Its inclusion in the show reflects the growing trend of super-hot peppers in the culinary world.

How do modern hot sauce producers ensure consistent heat levels in their products?

Modern hot sauce producers often rely on advanced testing methods like HPLC to ensure consistency in heat levels. By measuring the exact capsaicin content, they can better match the desired Scoville rating for each batch of sauce, ensuring that consumers experience the same level of heat every time.

What is the purpose of the *Hot Ones* Patreon, and how did it contribute to the sauce tests?

The *Hot Ones* Patreon allows fans to support the show, providing funding for various projects, including the testing of hot sauces. In this case, the Patreon funds helped finance the scientific tests that analyzed the capsaicin content in *Hot Ones* sauces, revealing surprising discrepancies in heat levels.

Why did the *Hot Ones* team decide to test the heat levels of the sauces, and what were the results?

The team wanted to determine whether the heat levels of sauces on the show matched their Scoville ratings. The results showed that many of the sauces, including 'Da Bomb Beyond Insanity,' were hotter than their Scoville ratings suggested, leading to a deeper understanding of how chili peppers and sauces affect the human body.

What is the significance of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s involvement in the testing process?

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, in association with the IMI Fest, supported the scientific testing of the sauces by providing funding. The foundation's mission is to enhance public understanding of science and technology, which aligns with the goal of educating the public about the science of spiciness through these tests.