Carolina Reaper chile peppers can widely vary in appearance depending on the soil and climate they are grown in. Most commonly found in an oblong shape with a signature “scorpion’s tail” or defined point on the non-stem end, Carolina Reaper chile peppers average 2 to 5 centimeters in diameter and 5 to 7 centimeters in length. The pods are deeply wrinkled, creased, and twisted into gnarled shapes and the skin matures from green to bright red with a blistered, glossy appearance. Underneath the surface, the flesh is crisp and aqueous containing a few round and flat, cream-colored seeds. Carolina Reaper chile peppers have a sweet, fruity taste with hints of cinnamon and chocolate, followed by a very intense heat that continues to build and lingers in the throat.