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Scotch Bonnet Peppers

Capsicum chinense Allergen-Free
Scotch Bonnet Peppers

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Solanaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Caribbean
  • Seasonality Summer to Fall
  • Source Chili plant

The Forktionary Angle

"Igniting dishes with tropical fire and fruity complexity."

Definition

Scotch Bonnet peppers are fiery hot chili peppers native to the Caribbean, known for their unique fruity aroma and intense heat.

Sensory Profile

TasteFruity, Sweet, Intense Heat
TextureCrisp, Juicy (raw)
AromaTropical, Pungent
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Capsaicin Source

Potent source of capsaicin, responsible for heat.

Culinary Usage

Essential in jerk seasoning, hot sauces, stews.

Scoville Heat Units (SHU)

100,000 – 350,000 SHU.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 pepper (10g)
Calories40 kcal
Total Fat0.4 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein2 g
Total Carbohydrate8.8 g
Dietary Fiber1.5 g
Total Sugars5.1 g
Calcium11 mg
Iron0.5 mg
Potassium322 mg

Chef’s Secret

To temper the heat, remove the seeds and white pith from the inside of the pepper, where most of the capsaicin resides.

Substitutions

Best Match

Habanero Pepper

1:1

Closest substitute in heat level and fruity flavor profile; very similar culinary use.

Jamaican Hot Pepper

1:1

Another Capsicum chinense variety with comparable heat and a similar fruity nuance.

Rocoto Pepper

1:1

Offers significant heat and a slightly fruity, apple-like flavor, but thicker flesh.

Thai Chili (Bird's Eye)

2:1 (for heat)

Provides intense heat, but lacks the distinct fruity undertones and larger size of Scotch Bonnets.

Buying Guide

Choose firm, brightly colored peppers free from blemishes. Handle with gloves, and avoid touching eyes or face.

Flavor Pairings

Ginger Garlic Allspice Coconut milk Seafood Chicken Tropical fruits

Recipes Using Scotch Bonnet Peppers

Apple Mango Chicken Salad image 160
Sandwiches Time To Make Chicken Breasts Main Ingredient

Apple Mango Chicken Salad

Escape to the Caribbean with this vibrant Apple Mango Chicken Salad! A refreshing and flavorful salad bursting with sweet mango, crisp apple, juicy chicken, and a zesty Caribbean-inspired dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, a healthy dinner, or a vibrant side dish. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

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Authentic Arawak Bar B Q Sauce image 121
Low In Something Poultry Preparation Caribbean

Authentic Arawak Bar B Q Sauce

Ignite your taste buds with this authentic Caribbean BBQ sauce! Perfect for marinating fish and meat, this vibrant blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors will transport you straight to the islands. A family favorite, this recipe is easy to follow and yields enough for multiple delicious meals.

See Complete Recipe
Authentic Jamaican Jerk Sauce image 168
Time To Make Dietary North American Low In Something

Authentic Jamaican Jerk Sauce

Ignite your taste buds with this authentic Jamaican Jerk Sauce recipe! Inspired by a family favorite found on Jamaicans.com (though we tweaked it!), this recipe delivers explosive flavor in just minutes. Even without allspice berries, the ground allspice substitution creates a rich, complex jerk sauce perfect for marinating your favorite meats. Prepare to be amazed!

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Bbq Skewered Veggies image 177
Preparation Side Dishes 30 Minutes Or Less Condiments Etc

Bbq Skewered Veggies

Fire up the grill for these irresistible BBQ Skewered Veggies! Our spicy marinade, perfect for chicken or other meats too, infuses vibrant veggies with smoky flavor. Easy to prep and bursting with taste, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners.

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