Scotch bonnet pepper

Scotch bonnet pepper has a fiery heat and belongs to the hot chili pepper variety. It originated from the lands of Jamaica and later turned out as one of the most popular ingredients in many cuisines.

These are classified as a super hot pepper, and this Scotch bonnet pepper measures between 11/2 to 2 inches in length. These have a glossy skin and a rounded tip.

Let’s learn more about its shape, taste, Scoville scale unit, how hot these are when compared with jalapeno, and a lot more in this post.

What is a Scotch bonnet pepper?

This chili pepper belongs to Capsicum Chinense family. The pepper has a high heat profile similar to habanero peppers(to be precise, Scotch bonnet and habanero belong to the same family). 

It has a firm, thin, and glossy skin. On top of it, it has beautiful folds towards its lower part of its body. And has a well rounded bottom. 

It is widely used in making sauces, seasonings.

Little more about this chili pepper

This Scotch bonnet pepper is called in different names according to the region. To name some-bonnet pepper, Caribbean red pepper,  Bahamian, Bahama mama, Scot's bonnet, or bonnie.

It has inherited its name as this pepper with a folds, was looking similar to the popular hat type in Scotland in those periods called ‘tam o shanter’. 

It’s obvious that these Scotch bonnet peppers are popular in its native land Jamaica. Its rich pungent taste, unique flavor and its high heat made them welcomed globally as well.  

And it's not surprising that it turned out to be one of the important heat sources in the cuisines of Spain, Caribbean islands, Mexico, western Africa, and more around the world. 

What do these peppers look like?

It looks smaller in size about 11/2 inch to 2 inch in height and up to 1 inch width in its shoulder. And Scotch bonnet pepper tapers slightly towards the lower part and ends with a rounded base.

The skin is thin and firm, but has gentle folds. And the seeds are clustered at the center and are attached to the center of the rib. Where the rib-white membrane, and the seeds hold most of the heat. 

The young, tender pepper looks green in color. And as they mature, it turns to yellow, orange, and deep red in color. This is also introduced in other colors like purple and white.

What do they taste like?

It has a fiery heat and fruity, earthy flavor similar to habanero pepper. When scotch bonnet pepper hits the palate, the taste buds feel the mild sweet taste and the next moment, the heat starts spreading throughout the mouth and turns fiery hot within a couple of moments.

The rare combination of fruity flavor with the blazing heat makes them unique. And especially for these reasons, this Scotch bonnet pepper turned out to be the most sought chili pepper for making popular brand’s sauces or marinades.

What’s the Scoville scale units of Scotch bonnet chili peppers?

Technically in laboratories, this pepper’s spice level is measured in Scoville scale between 150000 SHU and 325000 SHU. 

To understand its spiciness better, the jalapeno’s Scoville scale units measured between 3000-7000 SHU. And Poblano pepper is measured in 1000-1500 SHU.

In other words, the average scotch bonnet pepper is 30 times hotter than jalapeno. And 150 times hotter than banana pepper.

How to use them in recipes

Similar to habanero peppers, these are also widely used in making hot sauces. And also the special ingredient in the dry seasonings including Caribbean jerk seasoning