The Fiery Gem of Caribbean Cuisine
If you love bold flavors and a little (or a lot) of heat in your dishes, the Scotch Bonnet pepper is an ingredient you’ll want to get familiar with. This vibrant, wrinkled pepper is a staple in Caribbean, African, and Latin American cuisine, bringing not just fire but a depth of fruity, floral complexity that sets it apart from other chili peppers. At Flour Pot Vegan, we love celebrating ingredients that elevate plant-based cooking, and Scotch Bonnets do just that.
What Makes Scotch Bonnet Special?
Scotch Bonnet peppers (Capsicum chinense) pack a serious punch, ranking between 100,000 and 350,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). That puts them in the same league as habaneros but with a distinct sweet and tropical undertone. Think of a pepper that delivers both the heat and the essence of apricots, tomatoes, and citrus—it’s a powerful way to add both warmth and brightness to a dish.
How to Use Scotch Bonnet in Vegan Cooking
Scotch Bonnets aren’t just about heat; they add complexity to plant-based dishes in ways that keep things exciting. Here are a few ideas:
- Jamaican Jerk Marinade – A must for marinated tofu, mushrooms, or jackfruit. Combine Scotch Bonnet with garlic, thyme, allspice, scallions, and soy sauce for an authentic Caribbean experience.
- Pepper Sauce – A staple condiment in the Caribbean, perfect for drizzling over grain bowls, roasted veggies, or even mixing into vegan mayo for a spicy aioli.
- Soups and Stews – Drop a whole Scotch Bonnet into your pot while cooking. It will infuse the broth with heat and flavor without overwhelming the dish. Just remember to remove it before serving!
- Rice and Peas – A traditional Jamaican side dish, where the Scotch Bonnet adds an essential kick to the creamy coconut-infused rice and beans.
- Mango-Scotch Bonnet Salsa – The sweetness of mango balances out the heat beautifully, making it an excellent topping for tacos, salads, or dip.
Cooking Tips & Handling
Scotch Bonnets are fiery, so handle them with care:
- Wear gloves when chopping to avoid burning your skin.
- Remove the seeds and membranes if you want to tone down the heat slightly.
- Use in moderation – Start with a small amount and add more as you go.
- Pair with sweetness – Ingredients like coconut milk, mango, and citrus can help balance the heat and enhance the pepper’s natural fruity notes.
Growing Your Own Scotch Bonnets
If you love using fresh ingredients, Scotch Bonnets are a great addition to your home garden. They thrive in warm climates and take about 3-4 months to mature. Just make sure they get plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, and soon you’ll have your own supply of fiery goodness!
Spice Up Your Vegan Cooking
Scotch Bonnet peppers bring both heat and depth to plant-based dishes, making them a must-have for adventurous cooks. Whether you’re making a fiery jerk marinade, a flavorful pepper sauce, or a subtly spicy stew, this little pepper will take your vegan meals to the next level.
Check out our hot sauces and jellies that contain Scotch Bonnet peppers!
What’s your favorite way to use Scotch Bonnet peppers? Share in the comments below!