Scotch Bonnet Chilli

The Scotch Bonnet is a variety of chilli pepper, named for its resemblance to a tam o' shanter hat. It is native to the Caribbean and West Africa, and is known for its intense heat and fruity flavour. The peppers are typically harvested when ripe and dried or used fresh.

Scotch Bonnet is used as a spice to add heat and a distinctive fruity flavour to a wide range of dishes. It is particularly popular in Caribbean cuisine, featuring in jerk marinades, hot sauces, stews, and curries. Manufacturers may also use it in processed foods like snacks, sauces, and ready meals to provide a spicy kick.

The Scotch Bonnet chilli is a food ingredient, not a food additive, and is not listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chillies, can cause irritation. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified capsaicin as 'not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans' (Group 3). Evidence on the health effects of consuming chilli peppers is mixed, with some studies suggesting potential benefits and others highlighting risks of digestive upset.