Scotch Bonnet

The Scotch Bonnet pepper (Capsicum chinense) is a highly regarded pepper – most commonly known for its habanero level heat and fruity flavor. Hailing from the Caribbean before coming to the banks of the Ohio, this pepper is widely used in traditional dishes such as jerk chicken, Caribbean salsas, and hot sauces. Its heat level ranges from 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making it comparable to the aforementioned habanero in spiciness but with a sweeter, tropical flavor profile.

The peppers are small, typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter, and have a unique shape resembling a Scottish tam o’ shanter hat, thus the name. This articular Scotch Bonnet type ripens red. Scotch Bonnet plants thrive in warm climates and can grow up to 24–36 inches in height, producing high yields of peppers throughout the growing season.