Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden
Bahamian Goat Chilli
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£2.99 - Regular price
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- Sale price
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£2.99
The Bahamian Goat pepper is from the sun-drenched islands of the Bahamas, belonging to the formidable Capsicum chinense species. This classification places it in the same family as some of the world's most intensely hot and flavourful chillies, including its close relatives, the Habanero and Scotch Bonnet. Its origins are deeply rooted in Caribbean folk agriculture, where local growers selected and preserved it for its exceptional flavour, reliable productivity, and striking appearance. The pepper's unusual name is a subject of rich local lore with several competing theories, each adding to its mystique. One popular explanation suggests the pepper has a spicy kick as powerful as a goat. Another theory posits that when the pod is cut open, it releases a pungent, goaty aroma, while a third suggests the plants traditionally thrived in areas where goats foraged. In terms of heat, the Bahamian Goat delivers a potent, habanero-level intensity, consistently measuring between 100,000 and 350,000 on the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale, making it significantly hotter than a typical jalapeño.
The Bahamian Goat plant is a vigorous and highly productive specimen, typically growing into a bushy, well-branched shrub. Its final size is highly dependent on cultivation conditions; while it can be maintained at a compact 60–90 cm in smaller pots, it has the genetic potential to reach heights of over 120 cm (4 feet) when given ample space in a large container or greenhouse bed. The plant features dark green leaves and produces small, white flowers characteristic of the C. chinense species. The true visual appeal, however, lies in its distinctive pods. The fruits are typically 3–5 cm long, with a unique round, slightly squashed shape marked by deep vertical ribbing, giving them the charming appearance of a miniature pumpkin. The pods ripen from a deep green to a beautiful and characteristic soft peach-orange colour. As an interesting variation, some pods may develop a small, pointed "stinger" or tail, a trait often associated with superhot varieties.
Beyond its formidable heat, the Bahamian Goat is prized for an exceptionally complex and appealing flavour profile that sets it apart. The taste is addictively sweet and fruity, with dominant tropical notes complemented by a bright, clear citrus character often described as lemony. This is layered with subtle floral undertones, creating a nuanced sensory experience where flavour is as prominent as the heat. The heat itself tends to build gradually, allowing the palate to appreciate these complex flavours before the full intensity arrives. These qualities make it a cornerstone ingredient in Caribbean and particularly Bahamian cuisine. It is the pepper of choice for authentic jerk seasonings, tropical fruit salsas, and fiery hot sauces where its sweetness balances the heat. Specific traditional dishes that showcase its unique character include Bahamian conch salad and fritters, the comfort food known as "Fire Engine" (a spiced corned beef and rice dish), and rich, slow-cooked stews like curried goat. Its distinct flavour also makes it an excellent candidate for drying into a potent and aromatic chilli powder.
Quantity of Seeds | 10 seeds per packet |
Origin | The Bahamas, Caribbean |
Genus | Capsicum chinense |
Scoville Rating/Heat Level |
100,000 – 350,000 SHU (Very Hot) |
Plant Size |
60–120 cm (2–4 ft) tall. Vigorous and bushy. |
Pod Size | 3–5 cm (1.5–2 inches). Round, ribbed, pumpkin-shaped. Ripens from green to a distinct peach-orange. |
Flavour | Exceptionally sweet and fruity with prominent citrus and floral notes. Hotter than a jalapeño, similar to a Habanero. |
Sowing & Growing Conditions |
Sow: Jan-Feb indoors with 26–30∘C heat for germination. Growing: Requires a long, warm season. Best in a greenhouse, polytunnel, or a very sheltered, full-sun location. Needs fertile, well-drained soil. Feed weekly with a high-potassium fertiliser once flowers appear. Tender perennial; can be overwintered indoors in the UK. |
All plants are grown on our farm in Norfolk, UK and are grown in an open pollinated area.
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Bahamian Goat Chilli
- Regular price
-
£2.99 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£2.99