Developed by Italian growers, the Pimenta Leopard is a cross between Bhut Jolokia and Pimenta de Neyde. The colorful peppers start off purplish-black and eventually ripen to red with dark purple blushing. Once they are ripe, they resemble the traditional Ghost (Bhut Jolokia) and the flavor is very similar as well. The heat level of the Pimenta Leopard is approximately 500,000 to 800,000 Scoville Heat Units, which is hotter than a Habanero but not quite as hot as a Ghost pepper. Because of its fruity, slightly sweet flavor and spicy heat level, it can be used in any recipe that calls for hot or superhot peppers.
