NAMPA, Idaho — Talk about spicing up your life, contestants at the fifth annual Nampa Farmers Market "Hot Pepper Challenge," signed up to win the unofficial title of Slayer of the Spice.
People who braved the contest were lined up and given a series of hot peppers starting with mild peppers like a Jalapeno, 3500-8000 Scoville Units, progressing to Habanero, 200,000 – 350,000 Scoville Units a Ghost Pepper at 1,000000 Scoville Units, and so forth until a winner was declared.
"It was our fifth annual contest, and after much sweat, tears, and intestinal fortitude, once again, Brandon Wood Of Meridian became a two-time champion, " said contest organizer and Nampa Farmers Market Board President Bob Wagner. "We're already planning for next year."
This year's winners were:
1st Place: Brandon W.
2nd Place: Michael R.
3rd Place: Liam E.
Each contestant had to eat the whole pepper and each also had a glass of milk, to aid in relief, if they quit.
The contest was at the market on Sept. 21. Winner's prizes included $300 for the winner and a bottle of Tums, everyone who entered received commemorative t-shirts... and probably a bit of heartburn.