Using the Scoville scale to understand jalapeno's heat, let's discuss the heat level. What is the Scoville scale? It estimates the spice level, which is measured in SHU units. Each type of pepper ...

Zero means no heat, and a regular jalapeño clocks in at around 5,000 units. The habanero, which held the record about 25 years ago, often exceeds 100,000 units. The chemical in peppers that causes ...