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Scotch Bonnet Chile

Scotch bonnet chile, also known as bonney pepper or Caribbean red pepper, is a variety of Capsicum chinense, a species of chili pepper native to the Americas. The pepper is typically bright red, yellow, or orange when ripe and ranges in heat levels of 100,000–350,000 Scoville units — significantly hotter than jalapeño peppers but slightly less so than the famed habanero. It is a popular ingredient in Caribbean and West African cuisine. Home cooks and consumers appreciate the scotch bonnet chile for its fruity, slightly sweet taste profile that adds a distinctive flavor to sauces, salsas, and marinades. Due to its extreme heat, it should be handled with care, using gloves to protect the skin and removing the seeds and veins to temper its spiciness. This chile is essential in dishes like jerk chicken and a vital component in many hot sauce recipes.
#152
IN FRESH VEGETABLES
40
CAL / 100G
$0.38
AVG / OZ
scotch bonnet chile
79%
CARBS
4%
FAT
17%
PROTEIN
Scotch Bonnet Chile FAQ
Scotch bonnet chile is one of the hottest peppers in the world, delivering a punch of heat along with a surprisingly fruity, slightly sweet taste. While it is much loved for its distinctive flavor, its extreme heat can become problematic when not handled correctly. A common mistake is underestimating its spiciness and using too much of it in dishes, resulting in an overly spicy meal. Others fail to protect their skin while handling this chile, which can lead to a burning sensation. To get the most out of the scotch bonnet chile, it is advisable to use it sparingly due to its extreme spiciness. Removing the seeds and veins can help lessen the heat while retaining the distinctive flavor. Moreover, using gloves while handling this chile can save you from dealing with a burning sensation on your skin. Moreover, you might not know that the heat of this pepper can be tempered by pairing it with sweet or dairy-based components. For instance, if you have made your salsa or stew too hot with a scotch bonnet, adding a bit of sugar or cream can balance out the heat.
How can I reduce the heat of scotch bonnet chile in a dish?
Why is my mouth burning after eating dishes with scotch bonnet chile?
How do I handle scotch bonnet chile safely?
Why is scotch bonnet chile so hot?
What dishes are scotch bonnet chiles used in?
How do I deseed a scotch bonnet chile?
Can I substitute scotch bonnet chile with other peppers?
What does scotch bonnet chile taste like?
What are Scoville units and why are they important when talking about scotch bonnet chile?
Can scotch bonnet chile cause health problems?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does scotch bonnet chile expire?
Scotch Bonnet Chiles will last about 2 weeks when refrigerated. Over this time, they gradually lose their color and firmness. Dried Scotch Bonnet Chiles will last much longer, about a year, kept in a cool, dark place. Once a Scotch Bonnet Chile is cut open, store it in the refrigerator in a plastic bag and consume within a week. If you consider freezing them, be aware they will soften upon defrosting but can last up to 6 months in the freezer.
How do you tell if scotch bonnet chile is bad?
You'll notice some sure signs when the Scotch Bonnet Chile goes bad. The chiles start to develop a shriveled appearance, or dark spots might appear on their skin. In some cases, you'll observe a soft or mushy texture. Once these signs are visible, it's best not to use them. For dried chiles, if they lose their vibrant color and become pale, or if they smell musty, they're likely expired.
Tips for storing scotch bonnet chile to extend shelf life
• Store Scotch Bonnet Chiles in the crisper drawer of your fridge, ideally in a paper bag rather than plastic, which can cause moisture build-up and quicker spoilage. • If using Scotch Bonnet Chiles in a recipe, consider wearing gloves to avoid skin irritation. Be careful not to touch your eyes or mouth. • You can extend their shelf-life by freezing. Simply place the whole chiles in a zip-top freezer bag, press out the air, seal and freeze. No need to stem or de-seed before freezing – you can do this easily after thawing. • For dried Scotch Bonnet Chiles, keep them in an airtight container, in a cool, dark place to retain their spicy kick.
EXPIRES WITHIN
11 - 21
DAYS
Health Info
Macros
1g
CARBS
0g
FAT
0g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
VEGETARIAN
KETO
PALEO
WHOLE 30
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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