Varieties›C. chinense›Superhot›Scotch Bonnet
SuperhotC. chinenseJamaica

Scotch Bonnet

Bonney peppers · Caribbean red peppers · Scotty Bons · Bonnet pepper

350,000Scoville Heat Units

Heat context

Carolina Reaper
Ghost Pepper
Habanero
Scotch Bonne…
Growing guide
Botanical data
Heat (SHU)350,000
SpeciesC. chinense
OriginJamaica
Days to mature90
Plant height60–120 cm
Wall thicknessThin
Ripe colourred, yellow, orange, or chocolate
YieldHeavy
Growth habitBush
Germination7-21
FoliageGreen
Unripe colourgreen

About this variety

Named for its distinctive tam o' shanter bonnet shape, the Scotch Bonnet is the Caribbean's signature chilli pepper, particularly beloved in Jamaica. Despite its fierce heat, it offers a distinctive fruity, tropical sweetness that sets it apart from its habanero cousins. This pepper is essential to authentic jerk seasoning and pepper sauces throughout the West Indies.

Flavour profile

fruitysweettropicalintense heatslightly smoky
Culinary scores
Sauce
10/10
Drying
4/10
Pickling
6/10

Culinary uses

Essential for Caribbean jerk marinades, pepper sauces, and hot sauces. Widely used in West African stews, Sri Lankan curries, and Maldivian cuisine. Best used fresh or in sauces to preserve its distinctive fruity flavor.

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Quick reference

Heat350,000 SHU
SpeciesC. chinense
OriginJamaica
Days to ripe90
Ripe colourred, yellow, orange, or chocolate
Best forSauce, Essential for Caribbean jerk marinades
Data confidence: 5/5. Sourced from community submissions and verified references. Suggest a correction