Scotch Bonnet Storage Hacks

Scotch Bonnet Storage Hacks in four way! Scotch bonnets are that one kitchen ingredient that you can’t live without. Maybe you even use them in almost every food you make or cook. Scotch bonnets work wonders in dishes, soups, stews, and one-pot recipes!

This article will do a few things for you: it will stop you from throwing your scotch bonnet in the bin and save you some money!

How to Preserve Scotch Bonnet

If your day is not complete without a dose of scotch bonnets, here’s a guide to make them last forever or for as long as they last! 

Scotch Bonnet

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 really spicy!

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

I always use these for Leftover Fried Rice, Jollof Rice, and Moi Moi! To experience the heat of this pepper every day, check out these simple ways to store it! 

Directions

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

Whole

Store fresh bonnet in freezer bags and freeze for as long as possible. The frozen whole variant can be used for sauces, dishes, rice meals, and stir fry directly from the freezer. 

Paste

Rinse and pulse fresh scotch bonnet in the blender. Store in a glass jar. Refrigerate and use within 2 weeks. It is perfect for sauces or dips. 

Frozen

Put the finely chopped or pulsed scotch bonnet in ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen solid, remove the cubes from the mold and store them in a freezer bag. Note that one cube is equal to one teaspoon. 

Dry

Slice and shred the scotch bonnet with a knife. Place it on a grill mesh over an oven rack. Spread them evenly. Preheat the oven to 85°C or 185°F. 

Place the racks in the oven. Dehydrate for 3 hours or until crispy. Let it cool, and transfer the contents into a bowl. Crush with a pestle for a flake texture. Store in a glass jar and place in a cool and dry area. Use within 1 year. 

Tips

How to Select Scotch Bonnet

• The scotch bonnet should appear fruity with fully and brightly colored skin.
• Colors can be red, peach, orange, chocolate brown, and yellow at maturity.
• It should have a hat-like form with a stem attached.
• Don’t select ones with soft spots, discoloration, or molds. 

How to Grow Scotch Bonnet

To ensure you will never run out of it, why not plant your own in your home? 

The best time to plant it is before the winter season and indoors.

1. Pour the seed starter mix into a container and moisten it.
2. Transfer the seed starter mix into seed trays and compress it. 
3. Place up to two seeds in the center of each tray cell.
4. Press the seeds into the soil until it is covered with soil.
5. Spray the tray with water for moisture.
6. Position the tray in a warm area and allow it to germinate.
7. Next, fan it out each day to supply fresh air.
8. After three weeks, you can transfer them into pots once they have sprouted.
9. Then, put potting soil in the pot.
10. Carefully place the plant into the pot and add more soil to the same height.
11. Lightly compress it and let it grow!

How to Remove Spice from Hands

• You can try immersing your hands in cool milk.
• Alternatively, simply 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. You can use other chili peppers as substitutes. Use habanero pepper if you want the same spiciness as this one. 

This guide suggests that it can be converted into chili paste or powder. Discover which form works best for you by planning your meals!

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

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. 

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

Storage Tips

• At room temperature: Raw and whole chili pepper can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The chopped version will last shorter than that. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a scotch bonnet?

A scotch bonnet is a chili pepper commonly used in Caribbean dishes. It has a floral, spicy flavor and aroma that can instantly improve any dish!

What is hotter: scotch bonnet or habanero?

Habanero is slightly spicier than a scotch bonnet. Use which one best suits your taste!

Is scotch bonnet the hottest chili?

The hottest pepper is the Carolina Reaper, with 1,641,183 Scoville units! Scotch bonnet is spicy, too, but it has a subtle sweetness that makes it one of the most preferred chili peppers.