Scientists claim decrease in hotness of Bhut Jolokia

September 14, 2016

A group of scientists at the of,  has claimed the , once recorded as the hottest  in the world by the , is losing its characteristic hotness with time. The scientists suggested changing patterns in Assam and cross-pollination as the main reasons. The scientists said according to their study the hotness of the chilli has reduced greatly in the past eight years. The hotness, which measured 1.5 million (SHU) in 2008, now measures only 0.4 million SHU.

With this, the Bhut Jolokia loses its status as the world's hottest chilli, left behind by, reportedly, of the  and the  of.

The scientists suggested cross-pollination and changing farming patterns in Assam were likely the causes. However, they still have to check other possible influences such as changing agro-climatic conditions.

Dr Hazarika of the team said, "We are now taking up some scientific works to maintain the original degree of pungency of bhot jolokia which we found eight years back".