Scientists Called This ‘Butthole Surfers Pepper’—But You’ll Wish You Never Saw It!

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 02:22:15 +0000

# Scientists Named This Strange Pepper “Butthole Surfers Pepper”—You’ll Wish You Never Saw It In a bizarre twist that has left scientists laughing—and midgranular phoned in complaints—researchers have coined the bizarre and controversial name “Butthole Surfers Pepper” for a newly discovered chili pepper. This unassuming yet controversial pepper has sparked both curiosity and unease across scientific communities and food enthusiasts alike. ## What Is the Butthole Surfers Pepper? Officially recognized in 2024, the Butthole Surfers Pepper (Piper humeralis), hails from remote regions of the Amazon rainforest. With vibrant purple-black coloration and an unusually pungent profile, this pepper earned its provocative name from both its perceived invigorating heat and its local nickname inspired by adventurous—some say reckless—hikers who “surf” lip-stick boundaries during backcountry explorations.