bhut jolokia? naga jolokia? cross? what gives..

[hotpeppaharry]

bought these chilis at a local Asian market..they were labeled as 'naga jolokias'..but look more like bhuts, due to their gnarled, wrinkly skin. just a curious newb wondering if this is a case of mislabeling, or are bhuts and nagas one in the same?..or are these chilis some sort of cross?  whatchy'all think?

 

[Student of Spice]

Some people think they are one in the same, other people refer to the naga jolokia as a bih jolokia. So not necessarily mislabeled, just depends on who you ask. They look nice though so what is in a name? enjoy those beasties!

 

[hotpeppaharry]

very true..as long as they look good, smell good, and taste good..and those beasties were very tasty, like a sweet fruit that i can't quite place..and very HOT as well

 

[hotpeppaharry]

just realized that i posted this in the wrong place. apologies

 

[spicefreak]

Naga is the name of the tribe that originally grew Bhut Jolokias. The name changed to "Ghost Pepper" when they hit the states because Naga was too region specific.
Nowadays, Naga can refer to Dorset Nagas, King Nagas, Naga Vipers or Bhut Jolokias grown in the assam region of india. What you have are therefore most likely indian Bhuts, thought to be hotter due to better handling and growing conditions but probably actually no different to your average Ghost Pepper on a genetic level.

 

[hotpeppaharry]

thanks spicefreak..good info.  i'm expecting to get well educated by all you knowledgeable chiliheads :-)