Paul Bosland – The Scientist Behind the Ghost Pepper

Dr. Paul Bosland is a leading authority in the world of chili peppers, known for his work as co-founder and director of the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University. As one of the foremost experts in Capsicum genetics, his research has shaped modern chili breeding and introduced the world to some of the most extreme peppers ever recorded. His most famous discovery is the Bhut Jolokia, or Ghost Pepper, which was officially recognized as the world’s hottest chili in 2007.

Bosland and his team obtained Bhut Jolokia seeds from Assam, India, and spent years carefully cultivating and analyzing the plant’s characteristics. When tested, the Ghost Pepper shocked the world with a 1.001 million SHU rating—more than twice as hot as the previous record holder, the Red Savina Habanero. This finding earned the Ghost Pepper recognition by Guinness World Records as the world’s hottest chili pepper at that time. The discovery of a pepper that could top the once-mythical 1 million SHU mark electrified chili enthusiasts and opened the floodgates for the modern super-hot pepper era.

Beyond the Ghost Pepper, Bosland has developed numerous chili cultivars through the Chile Pepper Institute, including ornamental varieties and improved versions of traditional New Mexican chiles. His research has provided invaluable insight into chili genetics, breeding techniques, and capsaicin properties.

Paul Bosland’s influence in the chili world extends far beyond a single pepper variety. Through education, research, and breeding programs, he has elevated the study of chili peppers to a serious scientific discipline while simultaneously fueling the super-hot pepper craze that continues to captivate spice lovers around the world.