Scotch Bonnet pepper

photo credit: gourmetsleuth

What is Scotch Bonnet pepper

Scotch Bonnet pepper is an extremely hot chile closely related to the habanero. It rates 100,000 to 350,000 units on the Scoville scale and it's about a 9-10 on the relative heat scale. (See the chile pepper heat scale)The chile may vary in color from yellow-green, to orange and even bright red. The average size of this chile is about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. The Scotch Bonnet is an essential ingredient in Jamaican Jerk spice, and sauce as well as Jamaican curries.

Scotch Bonnet chiles are pretty easy to find in most well-stocked grocery stores. You can typically find them at Trader Joes and Whole Foods markets as well.

Substitute for Scotch Bonnet pepper

If you can't find the Scotch Bonnet chiles or simply wish to try an alternative you can select one of these:

Habanero chiles
OR - Thai red chiles
OR - Also very hot African Bird's Eye chile.

Dried Chiles

Favorite Scotch Bonnet pepper Recipes

Creamy Key Lime Dressing
Our Creamy Key Lime Dressing recipe includes sour cream, key lime juice and zest, shallots, parsley, sugar and a scotch bonnet pepper. Makes about 1 cup of this tangy dressing.
Mango Kuchela
Mango Kuchela is a specialty of Trindad made from air-dried green mango, hot chile peppers, vinegar, salt, spices and brown sugar. The hot relish is served with just about anything from rice to curry.
Smoked Jamaican Jerked Shrimp or Pork
Smoked Jamaican Jerked Shrimp or Pork is marinated then smoked with alder wood chips. Serve with steamed rice and black beans.
Jamaican Jerk Spice
This spicy mixture for Jamaican Jerk Spice is a commonly used in Jamaica for seasoning pork or chicken. This rub is sometimes dry and sometimes more of a paste. Store refrigerated up to 3 months. Makes 2 cups.