Scotch Bonnet Peppers – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are Scotch bonnet peppers?

Full of flavor and plenty of heat, Scotch bonnet peppers are most appreciated by serious pepper aficionados. They are one of the hottest types of peppers globally, coming in at 100,000 to 400,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). For comparison, a jalapeno has 2,500 to 8,000 SHU.

Scotch bonnet peppers come in various colors, often red or yellow, but also orange, peach, and even a chocolatey brown. Their name is derived from its resemblance to the Scottish tam o’ Shanter hat. They are short and stout, with 4 distinctive ridges on the bottom of the pepper.

Commonly used fresh, they can also be bought dried and are frequently used in Caribbean cooking. These peppers have a fruity flavor, with hints of cherry, apple, and tomato that can be tasted even through the heat.

Other names for Scotch bonnet peppers include:

• Booney pepper
• Boabs Bonnet
• Scotty Bons
• Goat pepper
• Jamaican Hot
• Bahamian pepper
• Martinique pepper

Where did Scotch bonnet peppers originate from?

Scotch bonnet peppers are native to the Caribbean, a major part of the local cuisine. They are also common in Guyana, West Africa, and the Maldives.

Seeds for these hot peppers are available so that you can grow them in your backyard. For those that don’t have a natural green thumb, don’t despair. Scotch bonnet peppers are grown domestically and imported, so you can buy them all year long.

What is the nutritional value of Scotch bonnet peppers?

A one-quarter cup serving of these peppers comes in at just under 7 calories with negligible amounts of fat and protein. A serving has less than 2g of carbohydrates, most of which are fiber.

While it’s safe to say most people don’t eat Scotch bonnet peppers by the handful, they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that are great for your health. Some of the nutrients that are in Scotch bonnet peppers are:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B
• Vitamin C
• Niacin
• Iron
• Riboflavin
• Magnesium

Scotch bonnet peppers are rich in capsaicin, as are many varieties of hot peppers to varying degrees, which help with cancer prevention. Capsaicin is believed to slow the growth and spread of cancer by stunting the growth of carcinogenic cells. The peppers are also rich in flavonoids that protect your body from the stresses and toxins you encounter daily.

How are Scotch bonnet peppers grown?

Scotch bonnet peppers should be started from seed indoors, roughly 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. They will start sprouting within 7 to 10 days and should be kept moist as they grow in a warm area.

They grow best in nutrient-rich soil that has a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. They need lots of sunlight and to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not overly wet. The amount of water they will, in part, determine how hot the peppers become. The less water they get, the spicier they are.

When are Scotch bonnet peppers in season?

The best peppers are grown during the summer months, with peak flavors being achieved by peppers harvested in late summer to early fall. However, modern agriculture and transportation allow Scotch bonnet peppers to grow year-round, so you never have to look too far to find a few.

How do you pick Scotch bonnet peppers at the grocery store?

Scotch bonnet peppers come in many colors: red,  yellow, orange, peach, and even brown. You want to choose peppers that are firm to the touch and have shiny skins. There should be no spots or discoloration on them.

When you place your Instacart order, don’t forget to share these tips with your shopper in the information section. That way, they can choose the freshest chili peppers near you.

How to store Scotch bonnet peppers

For optimal freshness, keep your Scotch bonnet peppers in a zipper-top bag and in the crisper drawer. This will allow them to stay fresh for up to 3 weeks.

If you cannot use them up, you can either freeze them or hang them dry in the sun. To freeze them, just wash, cut, and freeze on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Once firm, transfer to zip-top bags and freeze for up to a year.

Another option is drying them. Wash them, cut them into pieces if desired, and then use a needle and cotton thread to make a strand of peppers. Hang them up in a sunny area to dry. Store in the freezer or an airtight container and rehydrate with warm water before using them.

How to tell if Scotch bonnet peppers are bad

When peppers start to go bad, they lose their shape and become wrinkly. They will develop an off smell and may start to become slimy. Left too long, they will start to mold.

What can I substitute for Scotch bonnet peppers?

When you can’t get Scotch bonnet peppers, try one of the following:

• Habanero: Replace with equal amounts to get a similar flavor, with a bit less kick.
• Serrano chilies: These are a good choice with less kick but lots of flavor.
• Thai red chilies: You won’t get the same flavor, but you will get a similar level of spiciness.

Spice up your cooking with Scotch bonnet peppers

Want to spice things up in the kitchen, quite literally? Make a feast for the eyes and tastebuds when you cook up some Jamaican Jerk chicken or Creamy Key Lime Dressing to turn a salad from ordinary to extraordinary. Save yourself a trip to the store when you use Instacart to order Scotch bonnet peppers, fresh produce, and other household staples. You can get same-day delivery or opt for in-store pick-up, and your order will be ready in 2 hours.

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