CHEF Shaish Alam from Yasmin’s Indian Restaurant in Newcastle Emlyn is trying to break a Guinness World Record by growing the world’s hottest chilli pepper from his greenhouse.

The Bengali Naga, known as the Naga Viper Pepper is one of the hottest chillies ever measured. It was briefly the “World’s Hottest Chilli” in 2011 according to the Guinness World Records and is exceptionally hot. It’s cultivated in Bangladesh and north east India.

“I’ve already planted 3,000 seeds of Naga chilli at our greenhouse in Llechryd and if 1,500 grow I will be delighted. They look powerful and I can sell them for a premium price,” said Shaish, a keen gardener who uses various chillies in his cuisine.

“They start light green in colour and develop into dark green before turning red and everyone wants them at the dark green stage. It’s the hottest chilli on earth and if you ate a whole one, you’d be dead.”

“But on the other hand, in small amounts, it has many health benefits and is rather majestic. It opens up different compartments in your brain,” added Shaish.

He is hoping to successfully grow these chillies by giving them extra care.

“I will look after them in a simple way by feeding them right. They will have a bit of love and heat, and that’s all they need. I will then select a few to send them away to be tested to see if they are really the hottest chillies on earth,” said Shaish.

“It’s a really exciting time and, by the end of June or beginning of July when they are grown, I will make my selection and break the record, making sure the hottest chilli was grown right here in west Wales.”

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