Scotch Bonnet MOA Chilli

The Scotch Bonnet MoA is  a celebrated and purebred champion of the chilli world! The "MoA" in its name is a mark of distinction, standing for the Jamaican Ministry of Agriculture. This government body recognised the cultural and culinary importance of this specific Scotch Bonnet landrace and has worked to preserve its genetic purity. So, you're not just tasting a pepper; you're tasting an officially recognised piece of Jamaican heritage, selected for its superior flavour and classic shape.

If there's one pepper you can spot in a lineup, it's the Scotch Bonnet! The MoA variety is the quintessential example, perfectly resembling a jaunty, tam o' shanter cap (a "Scotch Bonnet," of course!). These playful-looking pods are typically 3 to 5 cm wide and have a delightfully squat, crumpled, and dimpled shape. They ripen from a fresh green to a whole spectrum of vibrant colours, most famously a brilliant sunshine yellow or a blazing scarlet red.

But don't let its cute hat fool you! Pop one open, and you'll be greeted by an aroma that is unmistakably fruity and bright. The flavour is where the Scotch Bonnet MoA truly shines. It has a signature sweetness with distinct notes of apple, cherry, and apricot, a flavour profile that is much sought-after and rarely duplicated. This is followed by a serious, but not scorching, wave of heat. The Scotch Bonnet MoA typically ranges from 100,000 to 350,000 on the Scoville Heat Scale, placing it firmly in the hot category, right alongside its Habanero cousins.

This perfect marriage of sweet fruitiness and fiery heat makes it the absolute cornerstone of Caribbean cooking. It's the soul of authentic jerk marinades, pepper sauces, and countless stews, rice dishes, and salsas. The MoA variety is particularly prized for making hot sauces where its bright flavour can be the star.

The Scotch Bonnet MoA grows on a beautiful and productive plant belonging to the flavour-packed Capsicum chinense species. It’s a medium-sized, bushy plant that typically reaches a height of about 1 to 1.2 meters in a good season, with a similar spread. Its leaves are a lush, vibrant green, often large and slightly wrinkled, creating a dense canopy that protects the precious peppers as they mature.

Here’s a little secret that makes the Scotch Bonnet MoA so special: authenticity. While many peppers are called "Scotch Bonnets," they are often Habanero-type peppers that just look similar. The true Jamaican Scotch Bonnet MoA has a smoother, less piercing heat and a more pronounced, sweeter fruitiness than its common Habanero relatives. A unique detail is that chefs and chilli connoisseurs can often identify a true Scotch Bonnet by its aroma alone – that signature sweet-and-spicy scent is a giveaway that you're dealing with the real, delicious deal. Growing a Scotch Bonnet MoA is like growing a little piece of the Caribbean right in your own back garden!

All plants are grown on our farm in Norfolk, UK and are grown in an open pollinated area.