So, I've been wondering, for a few years actually, what are the "original" superhots? As far as I can surmise the Jolokias and Scorpions were found growing and not bred, possibly the 7 Pot too?
`Chilidude said:Naga morich is one of the original superhots cultivated in Nagaland etc.
ÂJase4224 said:I have read a number of times that Bhuts are possibly a stable chinense x frutescense.
Absolutely. There is no doubt in my mind that the various Trinidad Supers are cultivars, but they were almost definitely developed by the indigenous ppl of Trinidad/Tobago for many generations before the Brits and other Europeans became aware of them.... And before the indentured workers and others from India brought them back to Asia from Trinidad, if that is, in fact, how the Bhuts and Nagas originated. Nerds like us, we never knew about Seven Pots and Scorpions until fairly recently, as in, post-2000. Meanwhile, they probably existed in some form for more than a century before that...The Hot Pepper said:When they were "discovered" could be well after they existed. Much like America  but I digress
Great info cheers!BlackFatalii said:Â
Â
According to CPI, genetic testing of Bhut Jolokia showed 3 genetic markers specific to capsicum frutescens, but also showed a 0.79 similarity with capsicum chinense, which makes it a chinense with some frutescens genes. (a totally pure chinense would have shown a value of 1.00)
Â
Frutescens varieties are also cultivated in in northeastern India, so maybe it was a result of bees cross-pollinating them at some point in the past.