Dragon's Breath: The Origin Story of the Viral Garlic Hot Sauce Sensation

The Origin of Dragon's Breath Garlic Hot Sauce

Dragon's breath garlic hot sauce has become an internet sensation in recent years. Videos of people breathing fire after eating this ultra-spicy concoction have gone viral. But where did this fiery sauce come from and how did it get its name?

Creating an Insanely Hot Sauce

The origins of dragon's breath garlic hot sauce can be traced back to the chili pepper capital of the United States - New Mexico. Ed Currie, founder and president of PuckerButt Pepper Company, had a vision to create the world's hottest pepper. After years of careful cultivation, Ed developed the Carolina Reaper in 2013 - setting a new record for the hottest chili pepper on Earth according to Guinness World Records.

But Ed wasn't done yet. He wanted to keep pushing the boundaries of spicy heat. By extracting the capsaicin oil from Carolina Reaper peppers and infusing it with garlic, Ed created his aptly named Smokin' Ed's Carolina Reaper Curry Paste. And then he added it to olive oil to make his outrageously hot dragon's breath garlic hot sauce.

When Dragons Breathe Fire

So where does the name "dragon's breath" come from? The sauce is so unbelievably hot that after eating it, you can breathe fire just like a dragon from mythology. The capsaicin oil extract makes your throat burn and heats up the air you exhale, which you can then ignite to produce small plumes of fire that look like a dragon's breath.

Ed's dragon's breath garlic hot sauce started appearing in spicy food challenges and YouTube videos where daring participants would try eating it straight off a spoon. The videos quickly went viral as people reacted with shock, awe, and discomfort to the sauce's extreme burn. It seemed like anyone who tried it was breathing actual fire thanks to its unique properties.

The Dragon's Breath Craze Takes Off

Before long, dragon's breath garlic hot sauce developed a cult following among spice enthusiasts and thrill seekers. As more YouTubers filmed challenge videos with the sauce, its popularity spread even further. Local news outlets started reporting on this bizarre internet food craze that was making people breathe fire.

Dragon's Breath Inspires Spin-Off Products

The viral dragon's breath videos also caught the attention of snack food companies, who wanted to capitalize on the hot sauce's sudden fame. Popcorn coated with dragon's breath seasoning and sunflower seeds infused with the sauce soon appeared on the market. These spin-off products promised to bring the excitement of breathing fire into tasty snacks people could enjoy more safely and conveniently.

In 2017, popular potato chip brand Paqui launched its limited edition Carolina Reaper Madness potato chips coated in a dragon's breath flavored seasoning. The chips were met with enthusiasm from spice-loving snackers who got a thrill out of surviving the rushing heat.

Safety Concerns Lead to Bans

But the growing availability of dragon's breath snacks eventually raised some safety concerns. In 2018, the Wales Centre for Public Policy published a report about the dangers of snacks coated with chili or pepper extracts. They warned of potential mouth and throat burns, especially in children. This led the UK and several other European countries to ban imports of dragon's breath snacks.

Most bans, however, focused specifically on retail sales of dragon's breath flavored products rather than outlawing the sauce itself. Still, the restrictions did lead to a decline in mainstream availability and visibility of dragon's breath garlic hot sauce over the next couple years.

Where to Find Dragon's Breath Hot Sauce Now

So where can you get your hands on dragon's breath garlic hot sauce today? While the viral craze and novelty snacks may have faded a bit, you can still obtain the original extreme hot sauce straight from Smokin' Ed Currie at PuckerButt Pepper Company.

PuckerButt Pepper Company

Ed Currie continues selling his signature dragon's breath hot sauce on the PuckerButt Pepper Company website. You can purchase the Dragon's Blood Elixir Hot Sauce in several formats, including as a paste, oil, and powder. Just be aware - these sauces really do live up to their dragon name with unbelievable heat!

In addition to dragon's breath hot sauce, PuckerButt also offers other outrageously hot Carolina Reaper pepper products. They sell everything from chili powder blends to chocolate bars for the ultimate spicy snack.

Spicy Food Challenges

Dragon's breath garlic hot sauce maintains a strong presence in spicy food challenges at restaurants across America. Many eateries dare customers to try wings, burgers, or sandwiches doused with the fiery sauce. Surviving a full serving without reaching for milk or ice cream earns you serious bragging rights!

You may also find dragon's breath hot sauce being used in some hot pepper eating contests, like those hosted annually by Smokin' Ed himself. Ed challenges guests at The California Hot Sauce Expo to eat a Carolina Reaper chili pepper - often considered hotter than his dragon's breath sauce!

So while novelty dragon's breath snacks may not be as easy to find anymore, the original extreme hot sauce lives on. Brave souls can still feel the fire and breathe like a dragon by conquering dishes loaded with Ed Currie's scorching signature blend.

FAQs

How hot is dragon's breath hot sauce?

Dragon's breath hot sauce is made with capsaicin oil extracted from the Carolina Reaper - the world's hottest pepper according to Guinness World Records. It's over 1 million Scoville heat units!

Is dragon's breath hot sauce dangerous?

Yes, dragon's breath sauce can be dangerous if used irresponsibly. It can cause severe mouth and throat burns. You should only try it if you have a very high spice tolerance.

Where can I buy dragon's breath hot sauce?

You can purchase dragon's breath hot sauce direct from Smokin' Ed Currie's company, PuckerButt Pepper Company. Just search online for their website.

Why was dragon's breath banned in Europe?

Some European countries banned sales of dragon's breath flavored snacks due to safety concerns, especially for children. But the original sauce itself is still legal to buy in most places.