FOOD NEWS
The Best Ways To Use The Fiery Scotch Bonnet Chile Pepper
By Sarah Richter
Scotch bonnet peppers are small, citrusy, and bright, making them great for various uses. They add a lot of heat while enhancing dishes’ flavors rather than overpowering them.
These peppers are a traditional ingredient in many Caribbean recipes, including jerk chicken. They also add fruity heat to many alcoholic drinks, like margaritas and Bloody Marys.
They're ideal when slivered into fresh salsa, blended into a homemade hot sauce, included in a side dish or dip for grilled vegetables, or used sparingly in a homemade spicy aioli.
Scotch bonnets bring heat and brightness to a dish without being so hot that they make those who aren't really used to spicy food cry with pain, at least, compared to some peppers.
This scorcher rates up to 350,000 Scoville units, the measurement by which peppers are rated for spiciness. Compare that to a jalapeño, which reaches 8,000 Scoville units at most.