Scotch Bonnet Chile Flakes, Capsicum chinense, are crazy-hot chile flakes that measure 100,000-300,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). They are also referred to as Scotch bonnet pepper flakes, Scotch bonnet flakes, dried Scotch bonnet, Scotch bonnet chile, Bahama mama, the Jamaican hot, the Bahamian, Martinique pepper, boabs bonnet, scotty bons, bonney peppers, or Caribbean red peppers.

These chiles get their name from their squashed appearance, which is said to resemble the tam o’shanter, a traditional hat worn by Scottish men. When ripe, they are about 1.5 inches in circumference and have a squished, globe-like appearance and thin, waxy skin. These flakes are produced when peppers are at their peak ripeness, for maximum flavor and rich color.

Businesses that frequently purchase Scotch Bonnet Chile Flakes are: 

• Caribbean and club style restaurants; 
• seasoning companies; 
• independent spice shops; and 
• companies that manufacture sauces, jerky, soda, and sparkling water

Heat Level

Scotch Bonnet Chile Flakes are crazy-hot, measuring 100,000-300,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). 

Flavor Profile 

Scotch Bonnet Chile Flakes deliver floral notes mixed with hints of cherries, tomatoes, and apples.

How To Use

Scotch Bonnet Chile Flakes add flavor to many different cuisines and dishes worldwide and are frequently found in hot sauces and condiments. These chiles are most popular in Barbados Cayman, Guyana, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and West African cuisine. It is probably best known for its signature flavor in Jamaican jerk chicken and jerk pork.  One of our favorite spicy, Caribbean dishes is this Spicy Coconut Shrimp.  If you love heat, you'll find yourself adding these to everything from eggs and pizza to numerous rubs, soups and stews. 

Respect their heat. Use gloves when handling Scotch Bonnet Chile Flakes to prevent them from contaminating hands or hiding under fingernails. And errant rub to the eye can be quite painful, and the burning sensation can last up to 24 hours.

Scotch Bonnet Chile Flakes are perfect for salsas, signature spice rubs, stews, soups, curries, breads, cheeses, jams, grilled meat and fish, or marinades.

Pair Scotch Bonnet Chile Flakes with pineapple, mango, apple, peach, lime, garlic, onion, thyme, cilantro, tomato, anise, cinnamon, ginger, or allspice.