Nick Woods – Breeder of the Infinity Chili

Nick Woods is an English chili grower and the creator of the Infinity Chili, which held the world record for the hottest pepper for a brief period in 2011. Grown in his greenhouse in Lincolnshire, the Infinity Chili recorded 1.07 million SHU, surpassing the previous record-holder, the Bhut Jolokia.

The Infinity Chili’s reign was short-lived, as it was quickly surpassed by the Naga Viper. However, Woods capitalized on its fame, incorporating it into extreme hot sauces and even inspiring one of the UK’s hottest curry challenges. Though his pepper no longer holds the record, it was an important step in the evolution of super-hot chilies, proving that independent growers could push the limits of spice.