Food Lens Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Food Lens · Recipe ingredients
Scotch Bonnets
Intensely hot with a fruity, slightly sweet undertone.
Lens analyzedScotch bonnets are small, lantern-shaped chili peppers known for intense heat paired with a fruity, slightly sweet flavor, unlike sharper, more one-note hot peppers. They're a defining ingredient in Caribbean cooking, especially Jamaican jerk seasoning and hot sauces. Even a small amount changes the character of a dish, not just its spice level.
Where it comes from
Scotch bonnets are closely related to habanero peppers and became central to Caribbean cooking, especially in Jamaica and Trinidad, where they flavor jerk marinades, curries, and condiments. Their name is commonly traced to their resemblance to a tam o'shanter bonnet.
Buying it
Look for peppers that are firm, glossy, and fully colored — usually red, orange, or yellow — without soft spots or wrinkling. Handle them with gloves, since the oils can irritate skin and eyes.
Storing it
Keep fresh scotch bonnets in a cool, dry pantry spot in a loosely closed bag rather than a sealed airtight container; dried or pickled versions hold their heat and color far longer on the shelf.
Keeps about 10 days in the fridge.
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