SHU (Scoville Heat Units)
Definition
Scoville Heat Units measure the pungency (heat level) of chilli and chilli-derived products, based on the concentration of capsaicinoids, typically determined through HPLC laboratory analysis today rather than the original organoleptic Scoville test.
Why It Matters
SHU is a standard specification buyers use to define the pungency grade of chilli they require, and it varies significantly by chilli variety.
Example
Teja chilli is often marketed with a relatively high SHU range compared to milder Indian chilli varieties.