Too Hot to Handle? Ghost Pepper Leads to Torn Esophagus

A puree made from these peppers — which are infamous for their off-the-charts level of spiciness — led to a rare, life-threatening condition in an otherwise healthy, 47-year-old man in California, according to a recent report of the man's case. Ghost peppers are among the hottest chili peppers in the world, the report said. Eating a single seed from a ghost pepper can cause severe burning in the mouth that lasts up to 30 minutes, the report said.