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Scotch Bonnet Pepper
A Caribbean staple known for its fiery heat and tropical sweetness. Resembling a Scottish hat, these peppers are the soul of authentic jerk seasonings and hot sauces.
Pepper Specie: Capsicum chinense
Scotch Bonnet Heat Level, Flavor & Appearance
Whether you’re growing in the garden or cooking in the kitchen, here is what to expect from the Scotch Bonnet in terms of heat intensity, flavor, and pod traits.
Heat Level
Extra Hot Peppers
100,000 – 350,000 SHU
Roughly 40 times hotter than a jalapeño.
Tasting Notes
Flavor
Aroma
Floral and Bright, When sliced scent similar to fresh-squeezed lemon or tropical mango
Color and Appearance
Squat pepper with a signature “squashed” shape resembling a traditional Scottish hat, featuring glossy, waxy skin that matures from green to vibrant shades of yellow, orange, or red.
Pepper Pod Size
1 to 2 inches
Commonly Used In
The Scotch bonnet is the “soul” of Caribbean seasoning. Its most famous applications include:
- Jamaican Jerk: Combined with allspice, thyme, and scallions to create the signature marinade for chicken and pork.
- Hot Sauces: Used as the base for many “West Indian” style yellow hot sauces, often blended with mustard or tropical fruits like papaya and mango.
- Stews and Curries: A key ingredient in West African Pepper Soup and Caribbean Goat Curry.
- Rice and Peas: Often placed whole into the cooking liquid to infuse the rice with its aroma.