A longtime in the making and used by many Jamaicans over decades is the Scotch Bonnet Pepper. Peppers and pimentos were used by settlers in the Caribbean. They used peppers and pimento to cure and preserve their meat for later use. Back then, the ancestors could not envision that peppers would become big business. As a result, Scotch Bonnet Peppers are in high demand.

                                 Peppers

Spicy Food and Jamaican Culture

Spicy food has been part of the Jamaican culture since the 1600s. In fact, pepper has long been popular among Caribbean people who love their spicy food. But over the past thirty years, scotch bonnet peppers has become big business in Jamaica. Peppers in general are in demand around the world. But in Jamaica the Scotch Bonnet Pepper is the pepper of choice. People are exploring the many business possibilities that pepper has to offer, and not just traditional use for cooking.

         Scotch Bonnet Peppers

One could say eating spicy food is a way of life for many Caribbean Islands. But today, the demand for scotch bonnet peppers has grown tremendously. What is scotch bonnet pepper you ask? Some Jamaicans and many people from the Caribbean may say it’s the best spicy pepper to eat and cook with. This pepper is not register as the hottest pepper in the world but the flavor is unique. The primary use of pepper is for cooking, seasoning and making hot pepper sauce. Research has shown that scotch bonnet pepper is beneficial to our health because of its antioxidant, nutrients, minerals and vitamins.

                                          Scotch Bonnet Peppers

Pepper Spray

This pepper can also be used to make pepper spray. Pepper Spray is the aerosol that if it’s sprayed in your eyes, it can bring harm to the eyes. It will cause swelling of the mucous membranes and cause temporary blindness to the eyes. According to the Hot Pepper Chile Institute out of New Mexico, USA, Scotch Bonnet Pepper is rated as the eight hottest peppers in the world. It rank at 350,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units) overall. Currently, Trinidad and Tobago has the hottest pepper in the world.

In looking back in history, many times the answer is there. Any measures of success usually start with an idea, but it requires a doer to take action. Yes, entrepreneurs are born every day but in the age of social network, farming is hard work. Farming is a career some people are born to do. But for someone who does not have that background, it can be a hard sell. Today, JAPA (Jamaica Agro-Processors Association) is encouraging locals to increase their production of peppers. Peppers are sold locally in Jamaica as well as for oversea export to the global market.

These farmers are in a great position to take advantage of the heavy demand for peppers. In past years, some companies would import peppers to Jamaica. Today, those companies are looking to take advantage of the local markets. What’s remarkable is how the demand for scotch bonnet peppers continues to grow. The capsaicin in the pepper which gives the pepper it’s heat, is what the public craves for.

Jerk Seasoning

Jerk seasoning is used to make jerk chicken, jerk pork, jerk fish and so much more dishes. Then there is the hot sauce that some people can’t leave home without. The growth of Scotch Bonnet Peppers and its popularity has gotten very high. Now companies are keeping extra inventory in storage. This will ensure that if there’s a shortage, they will still have supplies
available.