Pepper Joe Claims a New Hottest Pepper is Coming

According to a post by Pepper Joe he knows a few people that are planning to unveil the world’s hottest pepper in two weeks. If true that would be a fairly significant event seeing that the initial Moruga Scorpion test results were just published and as of yet they have not been officially recognized by Guinness. As of the date of this post (2.24.2012) Guinness still recognizes the Butch T Trinidad Scorpion as the world’s hottest pepper.

Joe’s making a few other interesting claims as well:

1. 50+ pounds of hot peppers have been tested.
2. Tests have taken place over a 5 year period
3. Most of the “Trinidad” peppers actually originated in China (DNA tests will prove it)
4. There’s already an application pending with Guinness (it can be $30,000+ to get in?)
5. The person who is claiming to have the world’s next hottest pepper also claims to have created 600 varieties of peppers!

My money’s on the douglah being the next record setting pepper but if they guys Joe has been talking with are on the up and up we could be in for a surprise.

64 thoughts on “Pepper Joe Claims a New Hottest Pepper is Coming

  1. Jim Duffy

    I really had to think awhile before posting a comment here. First of all is really who am I?? I mean what are my motives for responding here? Some of you might say I am worried about the CPI study. Lets look at the CPI study. The leading educational and agricultural authority on Chile peppers just finished an 11 month study. They verified their findings with two other labs. Last three champs never verified any findings. Yet I see more controversy over the Moruga Scorpion than the previous 3 records. Now I ask this question of all of you. Do you know the Guinness Requirements for “Hottest Pepper” or Hottest Spice”. Answer is you don’t. I have a copy of the PDF on my computer. Do any of you know the procedures for HPLC testing?? Probably not! I have had peppers tested by Marlin Bensinger for two years and he is a Capsaicin scientist. One might say America’s best. So who am I ? Well I am not someone talking out my butt. I am not just a seed seller.
    Now Pepper Joe has probably been growing peppers longer than me. And he is a good guy as well. But when we start to talk about the Industry whether it be produce industry, spice industry, capsaicin testing then I question his qualifications. And for good reason. I am all about science and facts so what was published on this blog is so silly I would not publish it at all. But it’s too late. So now I will give my opinion on it.

    First 50 pounds of peppers were tested. Okay why? You need a few grams for a test. Unless of course you want to run so many tests until you get that one spike and can say you have the hottest pepper. Now we look at item number two. Tests were over a 5 year period. This does not make sense because data over a 5 year period will only give you an average. Because no two seasons will be identical. Unless of course your doing all kinds of stuff to make a pepper hotter. The Institute just grew their peppers in a clay field with regular nutrients just like a green chile. Now lets get to the real dumb statement.

    Trinidad peppers are from China and DNA will prove it. Sorry, DNA has no GPS so DNA cannot prove where a pepper comes from. Here is a true fact about Capsicum chinense genus “Named as in a plant “from China”. This is incorrect though; like all Capsicum species, it originated in the New World, however, the Dutch physician, Nikolaus von Jacquin, who named this species in 1776, got his seed from the Caribbean while collecting on behalf of Emperor Francis I, and thought that they had originated from China.” So this is where the idea about China came from. Now we look at statement number 4. It can cost $30,000 to get in application for Guinness!! False again. It is a few hundred dollars. If you want to fast track your application it is a few hundred more. If you want someone to fly over to the U.S. you pay them expenses plus wages. A few thousand dollars but not $30,000!! Now I examine statement #5. The guy going for the record has created over 600 pepper varieties!! Really!! It takes 7 generations whether it’s Squash or peppers to create a stable new variety. If someone could make a few hundred new varieties he would need a large staff and a few lifetimes. But lets just compare to the biggest seed companies Seminis and Monsanto. Companies that have the largest facilities on earth and largest staffs on earth and millions of dollars for research. How many varieties of peppers have they created?? Try maybe 100 or 200 if that. So now somebody Pepper Joe knows has created over 600?? Is it God? Because thats the only guy I know that could pull it off. On a final note lets examine Guinness. They have nothing to do with science. They are a media publication. They do not employ experts in every scientific field so therefore cannot truly verify anything scientific. They ask for criteria and can at anytime change their mind regarding the criteria because they are an independent entity. So they can give a record to who they want and when they want and no governing scientific body or civil government can do squat about it! Now lets go back to CPI. They are the leading authority on chile pepper science in the world. When a farmer in Africa, Asia etc has problems or needs data on chiles do you think they come to the Pepper Blogs? Guinness? Pepper Joe? or me? Noooo they go to CPI! I find it even more outrageous that CPI is being questioned about their methods. Final comment. Could the Douglah be the hottest?? Well this was the smartest thing said today. The Douglah or Chocolate 7 Pot came in about 100,000 lower than the Moruga. So it is not a reach to say on any given day one could be higher than the other. One thing we know is we have about 6 peppers now that can get over 1,000,000. As to who can beat who I think that can change any season. I think this record thing is becoming a circus. CPI does there best to make it scientific and yet some of us jump when we here about something new. Sorry if I stepped on some toes here but the knowledge I have is from Marlin and Bosland. I tend to believe them.

    Reply
    1. pepperseed Post author

      Hey Jim, for the record Pepper Joe didn’t ask me to post this here. I just summarized the key points he made in a forum thread posted elsewhere. I think at this point Joe believes the information he has been given and is simply passing it along. I did email him letting him know this posts exists so he’s free to add any additional information or clarify any points.

      Reply
  2. Pepper Joe

    Hey Jim,
    First off thanks for the Post and clarification from your point of view.
    Obviously we have a passion for our businesses in common.
    Let me clarify as well.
    I had lunch on Friday, Feb. 17th with two fellows that I met at a Home and Garden show and they requested this Business luncheon. We met at T-Bonz in Myrtle Beach.
    They disclosed that they have the next Worlds Hottest Pepper that will go public soon. They want me to be a prefferred seed vendor with this pepper.
    In THEIR opinion the testing for their pepper is more vigorous and extensive than any of the previous record holders.
    I mentioned some other information that i received from them on a blog. It included the 50 poounds of peppers tested, 5 years of testing, the Trinidad/China question, Guiness Book costs up to $30,000 costs and the engineering of 600 Chile varieties.
    I can’t validate any of this info personally, but I did then and still do view these guys as very credable and having integrity. Just my opinion, but I’m a pretty good judge of character. And their enthusiasm was contagious.

    As far as creating 600 new varieties, I’ve never created a new variety myself , so I’m naive as to the process. (I have geneticly engineered peppers by keeping the best of the best specimen’s seeds for 30+ years).
    My guess now in retrospect, is that the 600 new varieties aren’t stabalized. And I took the 5 years of testing at face value…possibly it included the time to stabilize this ONE pepper.

    I have no clue as to the Guinness costs or as to what other expenses were included in their $30,000 estimate. I do know the Fast tracking and Adjunctiator fees can make the costs jump up, but I don’t want to answer this on their behalf. I’m just curious Jim, if the Guinness Book of Worlds records is only a “Few Hundred Bucks costs” and a simple process, why didn’t you apply to them for the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion” pepper?
    I totally recognize Guiness is no expert on Hot Peppers, but we both know it is a great credability enhancer. Seems like a Cheap Date for a Few hundred?

    I’ll be going to meet with this team within 2 weeks and tour their gardens, greenhouse, operations, etc. I’ll ask more questions on these issues that I’m not certain about. I’ll get some pics and all of that stuff to validate the meeting.
    For the sake of disclosure…My interest in this is simple…I will probably be one of a few exclusive seed companies to have access to buy the seeds for the next Champion pepper. That’s an attractive option.
    It’s also been a blast to be involved on the ground floor for a rollout of the Hottest Pepper in the world.
    I even might be the lucky guy to name this new pepper…they tossed a possible name out to me at lunch and frankly I wasn’t impressed.
    So I spoke to one of the partners on the phone yesterday and gave him my name recommendation and he really liked it.
    He also mentioned on that call that the Guiness people wanted documentation on the Calibration of the equipment being used to validate the heat level for this pepper.
    I guess with the proliferation of “Hottest Pepper in the World” claims, they are being much more detailed and involved now before approving anything.

    Anyway Jim, congratulations on having created the Hottest Pepepr in the world, the Moruga. That is an incredible accomplishment and I wish you continues success.
    By the way, is the actual spelling Moruga or Morouga?
    I do respect you and your passion for the business.
    Maybe we can chat sometime. My email address is pepperjoe@sc.rr.com
    Fiery Regards,
    Pepper Joe
    http://www.pepperjoe.com

    Reply
    1. Jim Duffy

      Joe I did not apply because the study was done by CPI. They can apply when they want to. My seeds were donated for the study and perhaps my name may be mentioned in documents when they apply. I know CPI has talked to Guinness but do not know if they filed complete application. So I hope this answers your question why I have not applied. Moruga is spelled Moruga. Thanks for your honest response.

      Reply
  3. Pepper Joe

    Get ready to eat your words, Jim.
    I toured all of the greenhouses, farms, and visited the University where the Worlds NEXT HOTTEST PEPPER is being grown and Tested this Thursday.
    And I can say I’m 100% certain (in my opinion) that this pepper WILL be the next record holder.
    And guess what? We have MORE and even HOTTER Peppers in the pipeline.
    This is not a short term play.
    We expect to roll out many record breakers in the years to come.
    The next Hottest (and I’m only guessing…the developer controls the timetable and we’re waiting for the Guinness people to do final validating) should be announced by May ’12.
    But whenever it comes out it will knock the Chile Industry on it’s butt.
    The testing is so unique, thorough and substantiated…it will be Crystal clear who the new Champ is.
    Jim,
    You can knock the testing, the University, the Peppers lineage, whatever.
    Let’s let public opinion and our thousands of chilhead friends and customers decide.
    You can write a Gazillion word refute to this…but why bother?
    Most people think you are just protecting your Moruga Pepper (which, AGAIN…congratulations on the great job you did with that)…but let’s let the majority decide.
    I’ll send you some FREE SEEDS of our next worlds hottest peppers when I can, then you can grow them and you’ll agree they are
    NUCLEAR HOT!!!
    🙂
    This new Worlds Hottest Pepper will only be available at two Seed Sources.
    More to follow….
    Fiery Regards to all,
    Pepper Joe
    http://www.pepperjoe.com

    Reply
  4. Pepper Joe

    EXCITING NEWS…..the HP22b or Carolina Reaper Pepper is being announced in Press Releases labor Day Weekend, 2012.
    The Reaper is tasty and delicious (I’ve had several dozen pods by now) and has a cool burn to them.
    They are only available exclusively at Pepper Joe’s and PuckerButt’s
    We’re currently taking emails for you to get put on the Notification/Reminder list when we have them online and ready to ship out. Put HP22B in the Subj. line
    pepperjoe@sc.rr.com or
    SmokinEd@puckerbuttpeppercompany.com
    STAY TUNED for all of the excitement and details to follow.

    Reply
  5. Mattydeakin

    Booooooorrrrrrriiiiiiinnnnnggggg!

    Why bother with all of this? For glory? For money? For your egos?

    Why don’t you just grow peppers, eat them and enjoy them?

    All this hottest chilli rubbish taints the whole industry. It’s petty. It’s like kids in a playground saying “my dad is bigger than yours”.

    You’ll be comparing **** sizes next. Pathetic.

    Reply
  6. Pepper Joe

    Matty, your entitled to your opinion, but I have an ENTIRELY different point of view. It is NOT for Glory or Ego.
    Before the SuperHots came along gardeners grew Primarily Cayennes, Jalapenos and some Habs. Now I get tons of emails with customers…many Newbies talking Ghost Peppers, Morugas, Butch T’s nd now the HP22B and Carolina Reaper. …they are pumped about them all. They are all best sellers. What these new breed os SuperHots have done for our Hot Pepper industry is fabulous. They have brought a renewed interest and focus. This creates jobs in America, additional farming opportunities, new Hot Sauces, Mash, Seeds, etc. etc. This pumps up an economy that sure can use it. If you look at the bigger picture, it’s all good.
    Fiery Regards,
    Pepepr Joe

    Reply
  7. Mattydeakin

    Joe, what the PEPPERS have done for the industry is a great thing but the businessmen behind the scenes are petty and exploiting chilliheads to make a quick buck. Selling seeds and hot sauces at extortionate prices, just because they come with the tag “World’s Hottest Chilli”.

    Reply
  8. SpicyFoodDenver

    Amen Blue Bear, and good for you Joe, to have built your own business to where it is. I have bought your seeds and will continue to do so. I look forward to trying this new pepper, just because it’s new and different and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!

    Matty, with all due respect, shut your pie hole. You’re like Debbie Downer. Wah-Wah….

    You can keep growing lowly jalapenos or whatever makes you feel like you’re sticking it to “the man”. I’ll keep buying new and different super-hots, simply because it’s fun.

    Fun. Something you’re not.

    Reply
    1. Jim Duffy

      I comment here not because I am a close friend of Matt Deakin. Matt has had his share of disagreements with me. Matt makes a valid point in the “The World’s Hottest” label is used to set high prices on something new and make as much money as possible. I know because I sell seeds too. Still it is a person’s choice to buy or not to buy. When I put my Morugas in a Combination pack Joe said i was ripping people off forcing people to buy things they dont want. Where were you guys when he said the same things Matt is saying now?? Joe sells combination packs with cheapie seeds mixed with superhots and people have to take those cheapie seeds they don’t want. Still I dont care if Joe sells a $100 combination box in the future because people are free to buy or not to buy. Don’t go slamming Matt for making an honest and correct observation. No need to get hostile and rude and tell him to shut his pie hole. And then call him names. Cmon now! Matt loves the superhots and has probably been growing longer than most of you. Joe you are free to make as much money as you can. All previous pepper records were not announced until they happened. You have been talking about this since March and its not because you care about farmers or peppers helping our economy. Your just selling your business!

      Reply
      1. Pepper Joe

        Duffy,
        Slamming Matty? Hostile and Rude to him?
        I spoke to Matty with respect and dignity. You however, do not speak to folks that way.
        I know you’ve finally lost your mind now.
        Please everyone, go up 6 posts and tell me if I “Slammed and was Rude” to Matty.???
        I really want some opinions.

        Jimbo, it’s obvious from this post and other recent post in THP that you are jealous and frustrated because your company is not doing well. Customers prefer going to Pepper Joe’s, “Home of the Moruga Pepper and all SuperHot Record Holders”.
        Jimbo, You are the Used Car Salesman of the pepper seed industry. NOW I’m Slamming and rude. LOL.
        🙂
        Fiery Regards to all!
        Pepper Joe

        Reply
  9. Mattydeakin

    Joe,

    I think Jim was referring to SpicyFoodDenver for his remarks toward me.

    Anyway, I come from a chilli head background and culture where if anyone wants seeds, we swap, we don’t charge eachother $10 for the privilege. It just annoys me. People are dumb, they are willing to pay that. Yes that’s upto them. I’ve got inside knowledge on how much it costs to make a bottle of hot sauce, even made with superhots. So when I see the prices in some of the stores for sauces carrying the label “world’s hottest” I can’t help but feel people are being exploited. Ultimately, that is why you are trying to gain “world’s hottest” title. For $$$$$.

    Reply
    1. pepperseed Post author

      What’s wrong with people making $$$? I swear it seems like there’s a segment of the pepper world that thinks everything should be free and anyone making a dollar is somehow a bad guy.

      Have to say I agree with the previous comment, no one’s forcing anyone to buy anything so I don’t see how anyone is being exploited. Would also say that $10 for pack of pack of seeds is a great deal. What other hobby can you spend $10 on something on get months of enjoyment from growing & eating + get to save seeds for the next time around and do it all over?

      All that said…to each their own. This is a just a hobby for me so I don’t have any skin in the game so to speak. I just think it’s cool that people keep pushing things to the next level with the peppers they grow. I see valid points on all sides and wish everyone – sellers and growers – the best.

      Reply
    2. Pepper Joe

      Swaping seeds Bud??
      do you think there is ANY type of quality control in that?
      There are horror stories all over the chilehead forums…like getting Cayennes of Jalapenos for the SuperHots.
      There is an old saying Matty “You get what you pay for”.
      I have many thousands of satisfied return customers that got EXACTLY what they pay for.
      But agian, respectfully, “To each their own”.
      Pepper Joe

      Reply
    1. Pepper Joe

      Duffy,
      My Mama always taught me “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all”.
      🙂
      So I’ll let one go.
      Besides, your day in the sun has been long gone.

      Reply
  10. Mattydeakin

    This is going a bit off tangent. My original point was “What is the point of trying to solely claim the title of World’s Hottest Pepper?” because the whole thing is quickly becoming a bit of a farce in the pepper industry.

    Reply
    1. Pepper Joe

      I agree Matty. It’s more about growing a SuperHot that isa tasty and flavorful and packed with nutrition….and ease of growing is a big factor too.
      The Carolina Reaper, aka HP22B hasa all of those qualities and more.
      Fiery Regards,
      Pepper Joe

      Reply
  11. Mattydeakin

    So is this so called “Carolina Reaper” a crossed pepper strain you’ve created? If so, a cross with what?

    Reply
    1. pepperseed Post author

      Hey Matt, unless I’m mistaken the Carolina Reaper is the new name for the HP22B pepper. The HP22B is Ed’s creation and Joe is one of the two vendors who will be selling the seeds. I have two posts about the HP22B here…

      https://thepepperseed.com/peppers/hp22b-the-worlds-next-hottest-pepper/

      https://thepepperseed.com/peppers/the-carolina-reaper-aka-hp22b-pepper/

      I don’t know that the lineage of the pepper has ever been disclosed.

      Reply
  12. PEPPERMEISTER1

    I ‘d like to chime in here. I am not an expert, but I am a chile-head, a grower, a chile blogger and I teach gardening to special education students. I’ve even been blocked from Pepper Joe’s Facebook account for advertising my chile blog posts on his wall (understandable, even though i often bragged of his seeds’ incredible germination rates).
    Pepper Joe is the reason I got into chiles (years ago). Pepper Joe’s business does well because he never stops promoting and he makes it clear that he loves peppers. This may sound silly but I think Pepper Joe is a true American because he found something he loves, he’s good at, and he’s passionate about. He took that passion and made a successful business out of it. He doesn’t offer hundreds of varieties on his site, he offers his favorites and the chiles his customers request most.
    Obviously, we’ve all noticed him amping up his presence on many blogs and message boards lately, but he’s clearly excited about introducing a new world record holder and yes, making some money. If I was in his position, I hope I would be smart enough to do the same).
    When I see Pepper Joe and his (gorgeous) wife, Penny in those silly videos and pics, I get inspired to follow my own passion, to have fun with my work and to not care about those people who are probably just jealous that they aren’t able to make a successful living doing what they love (with the person they love).
    Keep it up Pepper Joe, and Thanks for inspiring me. I now grow over 30 varieties of chiles and I even have my neighbor growing another dozen just so I can sample!
    Congrats on the reaper and continued success.

    Reply
    1. PEPPERMEISTER1

      trolling at its finest.
      Did you actually say….
      “I have inside knowledge on how much it costs to make a bottle of hot sauce”
      I cannot put into words how jealous we are of your inside knowledge, you’re like a true chile insider. How could you ever come across such hidden knowledge? haha.
      Why don’t you get some inside knowledge on how consumerism works.

      There is no advantage for me to say nice things about Pepper Joe. I don’t even buy seeds from him anymore, I just think you guys are hating on someone trying to make a living and I’ll give my opinion just as you do.

      As you said yourself “It just annoys me. People are dumb, they are willing to pay that.” I suggest not wasting your time and energy hating on what other people do. The good news is that I used my “inside knowledge” and found out that the pepper seed companies don’t give a crap that this annoys you.

      Reply
    2. pepperseed Post author

      That seems a little harsh. I don’t see what PepperMeister stands to gain by “brown nosing” pepper joe. Seems to me to be an honest opinion from a fellow pepper grower…much of which I would agree with.

      Matt, you said your original point was “What is the point of trying to solely claim the title of World’s Hottest Pepper?”. To that I would say what’s the point of trying to win the world series or super bowl? Why all the effort to get gold at the Olympics? Why do people try hard at work to get promoted?

      Many people strive to be the best or do the best at what they love or are passionate about and others are just extremely competitive. Let’s not forget $, it’s a great motivator as well. I’ve never met or spoke in person to Pepper Joe, Jim Duffy, Ed Currie or any other industry guys but I can tell from they write and how intense they can be that they are all passionate about what they do. Do they want to make some money…of course and I applaud them for that. I love capitalism and applaud those who take advantage of the opportunity they have to participate in a society built around capitalism.

      I guess in closing I would say have some fun with it. For 99% of us this is hobby that costs us more than we will ever make. The industry guys like Joe and Jim probably spent years losing money while they built a business and reputation. I for one am happy for them and am glad that they get a chance to get a little back with sales of the world’s hottest peppers and seeds. I think they all deserve it.

      If there’s something that turns you off about Joe, Jim or Ed just ignore them. It’s not like they will come to your house to force you to buy seeds or sell your peppers for a profit 😉

      Reply
      1. Jim Duffy

        Matt there will always be a need for seed sellers because many traders are unreliable. I see the grow lists of hobbyists on forums and blogs and know the possibility of cross-pollination is extreme. So a seller like me that grows his own and spends thousands to isolate varieties to avoid cross-pollination is a necessity. To my knowledge I am the only seller on the web that shows photo proof of my isolation areas. Is isolation 100% perfect. No! Is Food safety procedures 100% No! Nothing is 100% But when you run a business you do your best to ensure quality to lower the percentage of mistakes or quality errors. Pepper Joe and I are both examples of Capitalism and Entrepreneurs.
        And thats where the similarity ends. I dont have to hype myself with constant posts to blogs or make up lies. I laughed years ago when I saw Joe’s site mention major U.S. newspapers applaud him. Where was the proof of this? His website looks like someone drew it with crayons. May I ask if hes such a grower and pepper expert then where are the many photos of his peppers and plants proving that he grows them. Oh yeah he says he has a group of growers growing for him in multiple states. Really I beg to differ. He contacted me numerous times for quantity of 10,000-20,000 Butch T Scorpion seeds. Later on he wanted Moruga seeds. Joe trolls the blogs and forums looking for gardeners who want to offload some of their peppers. I am not saying myself or other seed sellers don’t from time to time buy wholesale from a large seed company as I do for a few cheaper varieties. But the bulk of Joe’s business is re-selling. Thats why many of his Chinense varieties have poor germination rates. I have sat back the last few months and let Joe make smart ass comments about me on blogs, forums and his Facebook page. He has even stolen my Moruga photos!! Joe where are all your growing pictures??? I have over 1,000 on my site! Wheres proof of your isolation? I have proof! I am not a Clown trying to compete with you for Internet seed sales Joe. Your really dumb if you think I worry about you as competition. You brag about sending out over 40,000 newsletters and then I get some of your customers and they say they have gotten no newsletter since 2010! I respect Ed Currie because he is a real grower and a man of ethics. I do not respect you Joe. Because you will hype or over exaggerate something so you can make a buck off the ignorant chile hobbyist. Like the Giant Bhut Jolokia. My ass! A good strain of Bhut will grow large. But you give it a new name to sell more. Cmon Joe come at me again with your petty insults. Telling me my time is over. If a new pepper gets the record I will grow it so how will my time be over?? I dont care about hype. I give away about 30% of my money to people in need. I dont give a shit if I have the Hottest pepper. What I care about is running a successful business in an ethical manner and making more money to help others. People on here should got to my website and your website and compare who we both are. Compare how much we educate and inform our customers. And compare our values. I think they will see that I may sell seeds like you but thats where the similarity ends.

        Reply
  13. PEPPERMEISTER1

    “What I care about is running a successful business in an ethical manner and making more money to help others.” you forgot to mention that you seem to care a great deal about every move Pepper Joe makes, haha!

    Jim, I have been to your site, it’s nice.
    That being said, if I asked 10 chileheads about you, I would bet very few would know who you are. If I asked 10 chileheads about Pepper Joe, whether for good or bad, the majority will know him. I think you know this too, which is why you seem to be so angry that despite your effort to prove your isolation methods, Pepper Joe still does better. To be honest, I’ve been growing chiles for years now, and I only recognize your site as a blip on my radar. I just wanted to make sure you understand how a hobby grower sees this issue. This is not meant to attack your site, like I said, it looks nice. I’m just not sure how obsessing over Pepper Joe is going to help you sell seeds?

    Reply
    1. Jim Duffy

      Peppermeister, Joe has been around longer. He is a re-seller not a grower. I do not obsess over him. When he used his Facebook page to attack me it brought me more customers. My plant sales doubled the week he stupidly put up a link to my site to slander me but it ended up getting me more customers. How do you know he does better?? He offers no proof? And you say he is well known? By who? I am friends with most of the top spicy product makers in this country. They know me, they know Neal and they even know Gerald Fowler of U.K Chilli seeds. They dont even know who Joe is.
      I have contacts with CARDI (Caribbean Agricultural Research Development Institute) and I am on the Advisory Board of Chile Pepper Institute and NMSU. You actually think I care about Joes impact on my business?? He may have started a few years before me but thats about it. Anyways it seems like your his number #1 Fan. Joe started talking crap about me after i questioned his involvement before about this new pepper. All any of us got were hype and vague answers. Joe also dislikes me because I will not sell him quantity of seeds. If he is so much bigger than me then why has he approached me and some of my friends to buy quantity of seeds???? You would think someone in this business longer than me would know the pulse of the chile community and not be surprised about all these new varieties and then have to scramble to buy them from others?? Why did he steal my photos if he grows the peppers??

      Reply
  14. PEPPERMEISTER1

    “I am friends with most of the top spicy product makers in this country.”
    that’s wonderful! Do you think customers care about that?
    Perhaps you should spend more time having positive customer interactions and less time worrying about your competition. (Seriously, making fun of the guy’s site design?)
    If you’re really not sure why Pepper Joe buys seeds from others, It’s probably because he has customers that want those seeds. I can send you a link about how supply and demand works if you’d like.
    I am aware of the issues with the photos that pepper joe uses, Obviously if anyone is making money using someone else’s pics, that’s not right.
    Like I said, I don’t buy seeds from anyone, so I have no allegiances here.

    FYI, be careful it took me about 10 seconds to find negative feedback about your seeds, and info about your penchant for trolling message boards under alias handles.

    Reply
    1. Jim Duffy

      Mr Peppermeister you can find negatives about anyone in the seed business in about 10 seconds. As far as alias goes I registered for gardenweb numerous times almost 4 yrs ago because i was having difficulty with the site so thats why I had a few names on there. If you dig deeper you will find posts where I explain this and I do not use the Gardenweb since then. I dont hide anything from anyone. If I am proven wrong on something I will come out and admit it publicly. I would not have came out and said anything about Joe today but he made it a mission a month ago to slander me on numerous forums and his FaceBook page. At that time I was very quiet and ignored him. I do not claim to be perfect and I will make mistakes in my business as people that work for me will mislabel seed packets, put wrong plant tags on etc. Everyone knows I will go double and triple the effort to make things right for a customer. Even if I do that I will still get negative comments. One of the hardest venues to sell seeds on is E Bay. Even though I dont sell a lot on there I went 3 yrs without any negative feedback and only after that got Negative feedback from foreign customers whos orders got lost in their Postal System. So after awhile I stopped doing International sales. I dont think there are any seed vendors (not corporate seed companies) that do what I do to maintain Isolation. I may contract out to growers to make produce for me but prefer to be in charge of all seeds except a few varieties I get from a few Farm suppliers. When one buys from others, like Joe does he cannot control quality. Drying methods etc. are out of his control. I have never heard of Joe ripping anyone off. I am not going to go into why he has lost customers to me. I have said what I have said in rebuttal to the last few months of crap he has given me. I am now finished. If Ed gets a record Pepper good for him. If Ed and Joe make money on it good for both of them. If it turns out to be a good tasty pepper then good for all of us! If Joe slanders me again or uses my Copyrighted photos without my permission again I will take appropriate action. If he does not say anything publicly about me again I will refrain from saying anything about him. For Youth Venture Donations go to http://www.yvcenters.com You may get a re-direct to Church website for giving. If you do make sure your Donation is set up for Youth Venture. You have a nice Blog by the way!

      Reply
  15. PEPPERMEISTER1

    P.S. Jim, I tried to make a donation to your youth venture, because I can’t deny that’s a great concept. Unfortunately, the link doesn’t seem to be working.
    What’s the paypal ID for that so I can make a donation?

    Reply
  16. PEPPERMEISTER1

    Good Info Jim. I do agree that careful isolation measures are essential if you want to sell the truest seeds. I learned more about the pepper seed biz today than I thought I could ever know. One thing we all have in common is that we want to see peppers growing in every yard! I hope no one steals your pics or trashes you for no reason. I also wish you and anyone doing what they love for living the best of luck.
    I think a few bad eggs really messed up the credibility of ebay seed sellers. A lot of people refuse to go anywhere near the bay for chile seeds.

    Reply
  17. Pepper Joe

    Puffy Duffy,
    Ok Puffy, I’m ‘Taking the gloves off’. You forced me to with your lies, erronious information and poor information about Pepper Joe’s. You are “HEARING THE VOICES AGAIN”. You are acting like a jealous fool. I will stick with ONLY 100% facts here.

    I hate to even have to answer this nonsense. Let me explain. I believe in freedom of speech deep down in my bones. But the problem that I see with blogs today and social media is that anyone can say anything about anyone….then it is out there for the world to see. Without research or justification. But I’ll stick with my beliefs on Free Speach. Let’s move on.

    1. Puffy Duffy keeps saying “Joe’s been around a few years longer than me”. I started my business in 1989 (and have incorporation papers and original catalogs to prove it) and Jim said ON HIS OWN WEBSITE said “My chile story started in 2003″….then he says yada, yada, yada but then it took more time past 2003 to become a website seed vendor. Puffy, 1989 to 2003++ is “FEW YEARS”…you’re HEARING THE VOICES AGAIN.
    Here’s the link to Duffy’s website where he confesses to being new to the Hot Pepper seed business http://superhotchiles.com/
    2. “I don’t have pepper pictures because I don’t grow my own seeds” according to Puffy.
    Ridiculous. Just scroll to the top of this post and see my with a days harvest of my Ghosts, Habs and Kung Pao. RIGHT UP TOP ON THIS POST. Proof positive.
    Here’s my green Moruga pics from my website grown in SC on the right side of the Moruga http://www.pepperjoe.com/shoppingcart/html/pepper.html and scroll down a little to see ME in the pics with my Ghost Peppers in Containers. Then scroll down a tad bit for the pic on the right comparing 2 other peppers to my Giant Ghost with MORE pics. Here’s MY very own pics with my Giant Jalapeno http://www.pepperjoe.com/shoppingcart/html/pepper.html#pink scroll down a tiny bit to see MY very own pics of Black Jalapenos and my Jalapeno 3-pack.
    Then to see MY pics of Kung Pao on the right side at http://www.pepperjoe.com/shoppingcart/html/pepper.html#pinka check out the Italian Hots to see MY pics…both of them at http://www.pepperjoe.com/shoppingcart/html/pepper.html#misc along with my Datil Pepper Pics. There are hundreds of additional pics that we have of OUR OWN peppers growing for seed!!!
    Look I won’t embellish this point anymore…but Jim is lying or hearing those VOICES to say I don’t grow any of my seeds or have my own pics. Nonsense.
    I do admit…I may have used one of his pics for the Moruga. I picked off of another website when I didn’t have any origina Moruga pics yet. I’m GUILTY as charged. It is a common practice in the seed business…there are thousands of my seed pics on the Internet…I see it as an honor.
    I even named several varieties of hot peppers that are all over the internet now. Again, an honor for me.
    But when J Puffy complained to me…then I promptly removed it when he emailed me. I just went to his website a few minutes ago…and DO NOT see any copyrighted or trademark signs. If they are there, I will admit it. Many of my pics are my own….check out my ENTIRE page of Chile pics at http://www.pepperjoe.com/hot-pepper-varieties/Chili-Pepper-pictures.html where 90% are MINE.
    Puffy….tell me if you see any other pics that are yours on my website and I’ll gladly remove them.
    Hey everone else…I HAVE used other pics. I gladly admit that. I’ve either bought them, or ‘borrowed them’ (not trade marked or copyrighted) to give my customers a clear focus on what they were considering buying). It is 100% legal, and if I made a mistake, tell me and I’ll gladly correct it. Just don’t question my intregity on this.
    3. I don’t have small growers that are growing special seeds for me? Again, the VOICES are speaking for Puffy here!! I have Richard and Kelly Diminich in NC. I have Bill and Veronika Arditi in Florida. I have Joey Sanborn in Hawaii. I have Joshua Pressman (from THP) in Florida. And several others. Pepper Silvia, Myrtle Beach, SC (in customer serviceand shipping) and Penny, my fiance also grow for us. And several others. How dare Puffy Duffy say that I don’t have special growers across the East Coast. I can provide more information or even give contact information if the growers agree. And I only give most of them ONE pepper variety to grow…guaranteeing total isolation. BUT…let me make this REAL clear…WE DO occasionally have crosses. So does everybody. It’s just Mother nature. But I’ll gladly replace those seeds for FREE.
    I also have a few large growers that meet my tough guidelines and standards. Baker seeds in Fla. my Bud Dale Baker… And a large farmer in Opelika, AL and a Mennonite Farmer in Quakertown, Pa. We’ve become a larger company than I could have ever imagined…and having this support is all necessary to provide my customers with what they want. Variety and quality at a reasonable price. We sent out over 2 Million Seeds this year so far…and over 1 Million FREE seeds between free-with-purchase, and Free Seeds Contest and charities….so we need this support. How dare Puffy question the validity of all of this!!! I can document it all 100%. Puffy Duffy is insulting this strong team that we’ve established and is very loyal to Pepper Joe’s. They are not happy with you, Jimbo. You keep it up and they will want a meeting with you in person.
    4. I don’t have “40,000 newsletter subscribers” because Puffy has talked to “my customers that haven’t received one for a while” ?????. There’s those VOICES again. Come on Duffy Puffy….just cut the bull—- and deal with the facts.
    I have 21,000 subscribers that get my Newsletters. If they change an email address and I don’t have the new one sent to us, they drop off teh Constant Contact list. It is OPT-IN…so we don’t violate anyones privacy rights…view the sign up at http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001nkQbX5l1Qs-RMZqfOsosojrkcca_xnwzD66bSKiuDCssOXr4pjdATDYQ2_KpRum6gQJ02ImKRuw%3D
    I have 45,000 of our Facebook Subscribers right here at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pennys-Tomatoes-and-Pepper-Joes/204328085055 and we send out 50,000 Catalogs right here at http://www.pepperjoe.com/form.htm So HOW DARE Puffy Duffy question the intregity of these numbers and facts. Guess it’s the VOICES again???
    We speak to a VERY large audience PD…and we’re getting a ton of emails from our supporters that they are outraged with your accusations. Peppermeister1 , SpicyFoodDenver and BlueBear who made their opinion of you Puffy, were VERY clear theri comments are above) . But there are hundreds mores like them.
    5. Jim I don’t even know what your website looks like. It is obscure with low traffic. I do admit I visted once…to buy some original Moruga seeds and got ripped off for $27.99…but I ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR BEING RIPPED OFF…I had a choice and chose to grossly over-pay because I really wanted the seeds. Now I have 150,000 Moruga seeds in total coming in this year…and will only charge my csutomers $8.99 for one pack of Morugas. Even if you now lower the price…people are pissed off at you for raising the price so high…and there are dozens of comments in blogs to prove it. I can list them if necessary. They won’t forget what you did to them Puffy Duffy.
    6. My Newspaper Articles?? HOW Dare you Puffy question the validity of these. Here are some details at http://www.pepperjoe.com/about/ with quotes…and i’ll apologize publicly to you or anyone else that can discredit these. How dare you! And our Feature on the Martha Stewart Today Show can be documented as well.
    7. Now let’s talk about YOU Puffy. You have Isolated strains? Quality control? The VOICES are back… You sold Orange Hab seeds that were misrepresented as Scotch Bonnets. —>> http://thehotpepper.com/topic/33555-these-scotch-bonnets/page__hl__%2Brefining+%2Bchiles A frequent poster there, “Biscgolf’ there said what you sold him were ‘clearly NOT 7 Pots’. Even YOU Duffy admitted (very unusual for you to take blame…I will GLADLY accept responsibility for my mistakes) to ‘Isolation issues’ here at http://thehotpepper.com/topic/26242-chocolate-7-pots/page__hl__%2Brefining+%2Bchiles Man, Puffy….those gardeners REALLY tore into you here.
    Jimbo, there are many many disconcerting comments about you here that anyone can investigate at http://thehotpepper.com/index/
    You seem to feel you are so highly respected in the Hot Pepper community….my relationships have a different perspective.
    Judy, from PepperLover and well known THP…probably one of the most respected people in this field…will NOT sell you her Brown Moruga Scorpion. You can PM her forever….she wants to align herself with me and Ed Currie.
    You totally disrespected Ed, a Genius in teh development of new strains of Chiles…and you did the same thing to Ed that you’ve done to me…tried to discredit him with NO facts. You are making many people upset with you Puffy….
    Jim,
    Let’s bottom line it here…I’m WAY to busy to do these type of posts. But I’ll be damned if I’ll let you get away with lies and rhetoric about me. If you continue, contact my Attorney, Angie Knight at Grand Strand Law Firm here in Myrtle Beach. She is well aware of your Slander and Defamation of Character to a respected 24 year old Company. We’ll be monitoring your response for accuracy.
    To everyone else,
    I apologize for this Drama.I really do. This has nothing to do with selling Hot Pepper seeds.
    But if I don’t answer back…maybe with a bit of passion…it could be misunderstood as giving in to Jim’s accusations…which are mostly FALSE.
    Hey to my Friends and fellow Chileheads. Please let me end on a positive note.
    I’ve been a Chilehead for 40 years. I have never seen, tasted or grew a Hot Pepper like I’ve had the honor of growing like the HP22B or the Carolina Reaper.
    Forget HEAT…all of the record holders that I deeply respect had heat. But this new Champ has a delicious flavor. Mmmm… A fruity/Citrus essense…with a hint of cinnamon…and some of my Growers say a ‘Cotton Candy’ Aroma’…
    I hate to sound corny….but we all live in a special time. To have the ability to grow and enjoy ALL of these ‘Worlds Record Holders’….man, that is awesome.
    Fiery Regards,
    Pepper Joe

    Reply
  18. Ted Barrus

    This is so stupid Joe You need to just STFU everyone needs to just chill. You should try and stay out of drama before a big launch. I know for a FACT Jim respects Ed but not you. “Who respects Pepper Joe” NOBODY you spam sites,you talk shit and you act like a clown. All you do is sell seeds Pepper Joe. I am sick and tired of you and the way you act. I been doing this 2 years and NO JOKE I have probably had 500 people come to me and say ” I wont ever buy anything from Pepper Joe”
    Why? cause they got crap. Yeah you can brag about you have so many sales but so these people really know what they grew? the answer to that is probably NO. just step away and just get along with people. I think it was a mistake for Ed to get involved with you and if Judy does it thats a bigger mistake. You have big deep pockets and a big temper and I’m ready for everything you can dish. So get mad and have that big response. everything I said is the truth.
    You tried to bring me into bullshit on THP and no my name didnt get brought up here but becasue I do reviews for all 3 I wanted to say something.
    NOBODY RESPECTS YOU JOE. in the industry you are known as a JOKE.
    tired of seeing you blast people over and over. none of us can say we have not done it but have some class.
    i’m halfway tempted to pull down anything I have with the HP22B just because you have that “pepper Joe” name attached to it.

    YOU ALL need to just step back and chill.

    Reply
      1. TinkyAndy

        LOL! I love Pepper Joe’s. Sorry to say, I love their site. When my very own pepper garden has some problems, I read their question/ answer: got information from there, and went on solve some issues on my garden, my peppers plant are happy plant because of his advices. I am considering buying combo box pack from him one for myself, and few more for my family members who are truly a chili head. I think Jimbo is being very immature attacking Joe. Another hand, my opinion, Joe should just be quiet let Jimbo talk all crap he could talk; and let his lawyer deal with situation on it own, Jimbo be careful you never know what would make your two eyes X*X >*<……. Joe has well spoken voice by stand up for himself which he does not have to, he has to because he wanted to be honest. I can tell the voice tone…. Joe is the one mature. I am buying my very first order with Pepper Joe's company. I will be calling and wanted to talk with Pepper Joe in the future when I am ready to make my very first purchase, I would more rather to purchase from someone who successfully advices to saved my plants from dying, and is very mature to deal with any situation. I would not want to deal with a business who nag and being very immature (Jimbo). Some businessman just need to grow the heck up and be mature… just my opinion; freedom of speech as I can speak my own opinion. 🙂

        Reply
        1. Jim Duffy

          First of all Andy your response here is unwarranted. Joe and I resolved everything months ago as most people know. Second of all I send a full size very intensive grow sheet to all my customers to help them succeed. Now people do contact me from time to time when their plants have trouble. First of all I am not a Horticulturist. Second it is very hard to diagnose from a few pictures. For example yellowing leaves can mean a few different things. If I guess wrong on which it is am I helping??? My best advice is to tell my customer to take the plant or leaves to a good local nursery and get advice from someone way more qualified than me. It’s like this….Which will give you better results a few E mails with your Doctor or a visit where he can see you??
          I think I have made my point. But I will make one more. I use the best soil and nutrients when I grow. I do everything the same. So what do I do when a plant goes wrong. Do I try and nurse it?? Hell no! I pull it out and replace it! Because I have tons of plants thats why! So I am not the person to ask for Horticultural advice. And that does not make me a bad businessman. It means I am an honest businessman. My job is to sell you good plants or seeds and tell you what I do to succeed. All I can share I will. But if I am not good at something like diagnosis, cloning, overwintering or creating Hybrids I cannot share what I do not know! I hope this explains things.

          Reply
  19. Hokeygar

    They way everyone is talking is really turning me off! I got to this site to maybe get insight as to what is the hottest pepper in the world now and how they were tested. All I have seen is complaints against each other. I truelly hate this type of cheap shots at each other.
    Ok I see two or three factions that don’t like each other. I truelly don’t care what you think of each other, I just want to get information about the peppers and now I see the companies, the companies that I was thinking of buying from, and now I don’t think I what to. It is hard to get seeds here in Canada. I can’t go to the local store to buy the hottest seeds in the world for that matter even the pods or plants. So I have to outsource to the U.S.! What do I see when I get on a blog? Everyone bashing everyone. I think I will now have to wait for the hottest seeds …does it matter whether they are 1.4 million, 1 million or even 5 million Scoville units…they are darn hot! I enjoy growing hot peppers up here. There are a novelty and I give away all that I grow. You guys are taking the fun out of growing.
    True to form seeds are important and you guys do it better than I can. I wanted to see how you isolate your seeds so I could possibly try it myself that way I could buy more seeds and grow different hot peppers. But I am not wanting to buy any seeds from this group because of the petty fighting. This shouldn’t be the place to help people like me to try and figure out what to do…you know get some help! Discussed!!!

    Reply
  20. Russ Johnson

    Back in the 70s people were very upset with Bill Gates for trying so hard to secure software. It was a time when very few people were writing software for micros and sharing was the norm. Today a lot of people are rich because Gates found ways, both technical and legal to keep the profits generated by his efforts.

    In the world of peppers it is true that seeds for new varieties are at a premium, but once we grow one crop we have new, viable seeds of our own. It’s not like Jim or Ed Currie are genetically modifying seeds ala Monsanto so that only they can provide viable seeds for the next crop. Maybe they would like to. I don’t know. I just know they haven’t.

    There is a lot of effort required to get a new strain to market and those who do it successfully should reap the benefits. People in the pepper community will still be able to trade seeds and very soon the gray market will be flooded with them. A person can simply wait for that to happen or they can spring for a pack of seeds early on. It’s no big deal.

    Jim deserves credit for what he has developed and Joe deserves credit for the business he has built. If Ed Currie’s new pepper is hotter than the Moruga I don’t think it will make people want to stop buying Nagas.

    I do hope that taste doesn’t get lost in all of that. All in all I think it’s a good time to be a chili lover. I love trying the new stuff when it comes out and I’m glad that all of you are doing what you’re doing. That includes Ted who has been very important to me through his infectious love for peppers and sauces. He and people like Leo Scott and Tony Ainsworth have become like internet family.

    Reply
  21. David K

    Holy shit! I can’t believe all the drama in this pepper page. It’s way overboard.
    Anyway, I am going to grow 7 varieties of peppers this year. Six of them are from Pepper Joe’s. This is my first time ordering from him. I have to say that so far my experience has been a good one. The service was fast and accurate. I have about a 75% germination rate for my Carolina Reapers. (Side note: I have one with triple cotyledons. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200246755868322&set=o.204328085055&type=3&theater ) I’ll update when I start my other peppers.
    As of 3-1-2013 I am happy with Pepper Joe so far. I’ll keep updating my observations as the growing season progresses. I would recommend Pepper Joe to a friend.

    Reply
  22. william pierce

    People can say what they want but to each is own.i am nobody,just a simple person with a few hobbies.in my opinion pepper joe does it for the passion he has for his hobbie and chooses to share with the public.it only takes one person to get excited about what he does and shares to make his passion worth it.i personally feel that he does it for himself and so what if he makes a few bucks.im sure with what he spends he dont make but probably what it cost to fund his passion.so i say thanks pepper joe for giving other people the chance to grow some of these crazy seeds.

    Reply
  23. Gunther

    Well it has been almost over a year since the posts above mentioning the big press release about this Carolina Reaper being the Hottest Pepper in the World.So far no mention from Guinness about it.Did hear that a Moruga from New Mexico went way up there in the Scoville ratings.So it seems the Reaper was a real “sleeper” and made the vendors some good money.Last listing from Guinness was the Chili Factory down under getting the certificate for the Butch T.Seems like a lot of people got duped out of thier cash.

    Reply
  24. Pepper Joe

    Gunther,
    That is absolute Bull and obviously you are uninformed.
    We have several submissions with Guinness and they are making us jump through hoops for some reason. My guess is that they declared the Naga Viper Worlds hottest and it turned out to be an unstable variety. Ed Currie thinks that American Companies get pushed to the back of the line. But Guinness sells Beer…and they ARE NOT experts at Hot Peppers. However, many other experts say the Carolina Reaper IS ABSOLUTELY the worlds Hottest. Here are videoes from the some of the industries best known experts validating the Carolina Reaper as the Worlds Hottest.
    Mike McDermott owns a Hot Pepper Website and a Hot Pepper Seed business….actually he’s a respected competitor….
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pilvIM4g9E
    Scott Roberts….ditto a big Chilehead website aqnd successful businesses….
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KEq7p92b54
    Just go to YouTube….there are dozens of other reviews.
    ALSO….
    We have documented testing from the Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC from Professor Calloway clearly showing our Reaper at 1,474,000 Scoville Heat Units.
    That is an AVERAGE number…not a HIGH number….meaning that will be the heat level YOU get from a Reaper growing in your own back yard.
    🙂
    There are now Tens of Thousands of Gardeners growing the Carolina Reaper…..and reporting back gnarley and wicked Pods….and documenting the tastiest and hottest pepper ever. This growing consensus is MUCH more important than Guinness….a Beer company.
    Anyway, check it all out for yourself at http://www.pepperjoe.com/shoppingcart/html/pepper.html

    Reply
  25. Pepper Joe

    By the way folks….our research tells us that “Gunther” is Kurt Magdics of Cutler Bay Florida who we have an ongoing lawsuit against for Slander, Civil
    Conspiracy, etc.
    We’re going after him for monety damages from issues at several other websites.
    He’s just an internet stalker/troll that has too much time on his hands and harrases good companies. If he answers again on this post I’ll expose him for more.
    Sorry about the drama but “Don’t feed the Trolls”.
    Kurt Magdic knows more than 10,000’s of satisfied customers, Professor Cliff Calloway from the Wintrhop University and dozens of Hot Pepper professional reviewers?? That’s a joke!

    Reply
  26. glenn stock

    I thing I have a new hot pepper. I have 5 different hot pepper plants no more than 2 feet away from each other . one of the peppers looks like a Jamaican yellow [ closest I could find ]. but not the right size or exact shape. where can I send picks and pepper sample to be tested for heat.

    Reply
    1. pepperseed Post author

      Glenn, plants growing next to each other won’t impact anything in the current year. If those plants cross the seeds from them will show the crossed characteristics the following year and will take many generations (I think 8) before a cross is considered stable.

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Mattydeakin Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *