In the Heat of the Moment- The Scotch Bonnet Pepper of Barbados

The Scotch Bonnet pepper, also known as Scotty Bon, Boney Pepper or Caribbean red pepper is a variety of the Chili pepper found in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean.  To give you a little bit of an idea on how hot these peppers actually are, a jalapeno pepper has a heat rating of 1000-8000 scoville units whereas a scotch bonnet has a heat rating of  100,000-350,000 scoville units!  From jerk seasoning, to pickle, to fish, to chicken you will find scotch bonnets in almost any traditional cuisine in Barbados. And let us not forget the famed pepper sauce made from scotch bonnets. It is often said that Barbadians have "hard mouths" because of the amount of pepper sauce they place on everything!

These peppers are hot but give such flavor and dimension to any meal!

Melanie & Kimberly*

Images: Flickr

'Hot Fuh Days'

Wirri Wirri Peppers are a kind of cherry pepper found in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean. Many locals claim that they are 'hot fuh days' (meaning very very hot). Aside from the heat, these peppers have a great flavor to them and are included in a variety of dishes including white rice, fish, chicken, pork, stew and the list goes on! Also, pepper wine, which is a wine made from sherry infused with Wirri Wirri peppers, is a favorite among locals and visitors. A drop (literally) can be added to soups, broths or stews for a added kick (of flavour).

Freshly Picked Wirri Wirri Peppers

 Melanie & Kimberly*



Image: Loop Barbados