Scotch Bonnet Storage Hacks

Save your scotch bonnets like a pro with the most effective scotch bonnet storage hacks you never thought you needed!

Did you know that the scotch bonnet can only last about two weeks at room temperature? That’s not a lot of time, especially if you constantly use them to cook dishes, soups, stews, and one-pot recipes.

Don’t worry—there are different ways to make them last longer for a savory and tasteful meal every day. Each storage hack is easy and quick to do, making scotch bonnet storage ultimately effortless.

I’ll share my favorite scotch bonnet storage hacks so you can choose which one works best for you. Buy as many scotch bonnets as you want because once you store them, you can have them anytime you want!

How to Store Scotch Bonnet

If your day is not complete without a dose of hot and spicy flavors, then here’s a guide to make them last forever or for as long as they last! There are many ways to store them. All you have to do is choose which one to do.

I will show you four ways to store them. But first, let’s learn a little bit more about the scotch bonnet.

Ingredient

What is so special about the scotch bonnet?

Scotch bonnets

Can you believe that a scotch bonnet is as spicy as habanero pepper and spicier than a jalapeño?

According to Chili Pepper Madness, it has a whopping 100,000 – 350,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units). And trust me, that is spicy! The good thing is that it has a touch of fruity flavors to balance it all out.

It can reach up to only two inches in size and can vary in color from red to yellow. What makes it different from other spices is that it also has a bit of sweetness, similar to apples and tomatoes.

I always use these for Leftover Fried Rice, Jollof Rice, and Moi Moi! The flavor it adds is truly incredible. To experience the heat of this pepper every day, let’s dive into the four ways you can store them!

Directions

There are four different methods you can do to never run out of the scotch bonnet. 

Whole

Store fresh and whole bonnets in freezer bags and freeze for as long as possible. You can use these frozen scotch bonnets for sauces, dishes, rice meals, and stir-fry directly from the freezer. 

Paste

1. Pulse fresh ones in the blender.
2. Then, store it in a glass jar.
3. Refrigerate and use within two weeks.

It is perfect for sauces or dips!

Frozen

1. Freeze the finely chopped or pulsed spices in ice cube trays.
2. Once frozen solid, remove the cubes from the mold.
3. Then, store them in a freezer bag.

Dehydrated

1. Slice and shred them with a knife.
2. Place it on a grill mesh over an oven rack.
3. Then, spread them evenly.
4. Preheat the oven to 85°C or 185°F. 
5. Place the racks in the oven.
6. Dehydrate for three hours or until crispy.
7. Let it cool, and transfer the contents into a bowl.
8. Crush with a pestle until flaky.
9. Store in a glass jar and place in a cool and dry area.

You can store the dehydrated scotch bonnet for a year!

Tips

Buying scotch bonnet

• Buy scotch bonnets with fully and brightly colored skin.
• At maturity, the colors can be red, peach, orange, chocolate brown, and yellow.
• It should also have a hat-like form with a stem attached.
• Don’t buy ones with soft spots, discoloration, or molds. 

How to Remove Spice from Hands

• You can try soaking your hands in cool milk.
• Alternatively, soak your hands in soapy water until the pain disappears.
• Furthermore, you can smear your hands with oil to dissolve the spiciness.
• If the pain is still strong, then use pain relievers for numbness.
• On the other hand, if the burning is bearable, you can just let it subside with time.
• Of course, use gloves to eliminate or minimize the spice in your hands. 

Scotch Bonnet Variations

Scotch bonnet is 101% vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian. Other chili peppers can be substituted. Use habanero pepper if you want the same spiciness as this one. 

This guide also suggests converting it into chili paste or powder. Plan your meals to discover which form works best for you. The best scotch bonnet storage hack depends on how you plan to use them!

Recommended Tools

• Blender: Pulse it using a blender. 
• Pestle: Crush the pepper into flakes. 
• Colander: Rinse the scotch bonnet with a colander. 
• Glass jars: Store the finished products in glass jars. 
• Ice cube tray: Freeze it in ice cube trays. 
• Freezer bag: Store in a freezer-safe bag and freeze.
• Knife: Slice it using a knife. 
• Grill mesh: Arrange the slices on a grill mesh to dry them out. 

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How to Use Scotch Bonnet

Now that you know how to store scotch bonnet, it’s time to decide how to use it.

It is commonly used to intensify the flavors of sauces, rice meals, soups, salsa, curry, stir fry, marinades, dressings, and more! Remember to use it in moderation and with caution.

Toss in some scotch bonnet whenever you want to taste something sweet and spicy. Now that you know how to store it, you won’t have a hard time preparing it. From storage, it’s already ready to use!

Use your scotch bonnet by trying out these recipes:

• Turkey and Veggie Fried Rice
• Chicken Gizzard Stew
• Couscous
• Fish Stew
• Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

I especially suggest using these to make organic chili flakes. It can bring out the flavor in your favorite hot and spicy recipes!

Storage Tips

• At room temperature: Raw and whole chili peppers can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks. The chopped scotch bonnet has a shorter shelf life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is scotch bonnet as hot as habanero?

Habanero is slightly spicier than the scotch bonnet. But just like the scotch bonnet, the habanero also has a sweet and fruit taste. Use which one best suits your taste!

Is scotch bonnet hotter than Carolina Reaper?

The Carolina Reaper is the spiciest pepper in the world. It is said to be 15 times hotter than the Scotch Bonnet! For a milder spicy flavor, you can always go for the Scotch Bonnet.

What does scotch bonnet taste like?

The scotch bonnet has a spicy, sweet, and fruity flavor. It will remind you of spicy peppers and sweet peppers in one. Once you cook it, it will have a more refined flavor than what you expected.

What is hotter scotch bonnet or ghost pepper?

Both are spicy, but the ghost pepper is known to be spicier. The ghost pepper has over 1 million Scoville units, while the scotch bonnet can have up to 350,000 Scoville units.