So I finally ate my first, fresh Bhut Jolokia pod last night. I’ve grown them for several years, but hadn’t downed a ripe one yet.

I wasn’t sure that this one had the full 1,000,000 SHU heat, but was very careful as I put the first cut piece of pod in the center of my tongue. At first, nothing. After about 5 seconds or so, I rolled it to the side of my mouth and started chewing it. A metallic taste spread across the back of my palate only to ignite as if someone touched a match to lighter fluid. The second piece caught fire sooner, and I paced and protested, and decided that eating them fresh, by themselves, is probably not the best Bhut Jolokia preparation.

That being said, I’m now looking for a way to eat the other dozen or so pods that remain on the plant. If nothing else, I may try drying the pods and making a superhot powder that I can add to cooked dishes.

So what preparations have others come up with? I’m game to try other concoctions.