Packin Heat
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Capsicum chinense

MOA Scotch Bonnet

Cultivar Jamaica
Scoville Heat Units 250,000
Barely Noticeable Mild Medium Hot Extremely Hot Ultra Hot
No Heat Gentle Medium-Mild Medium-Hot Very Hot Superhot
Mild Hot Ultra Hot
No Heat Medium Superhot
About this pepper

MOA Scotch Bonnet is a Capsicum chinense cultivar developed by the Ministry of Agriculture of Jamaica to improve the traditional Scotch Bonnet for commercial production. It was selectively bred for increased resistance to Gemini and Poty viruses, improving reliability and yield for farmers.

Plants are vigorous and productive, often growing over 1.2 metres tall. Pods have a distinct bonnet shape with three to four lobes and mature to a bright yellow-orange colour.

Heat levels are high, commonly around 250,000 Scoville Heat Units, placing it hotter than many habanero types. The flavour is strongly fruity and aromatic, making MOA Scotch Bonnet a staple in Jamaican and wider Caribbean cuisine. The cultivar is officially recognised by Jamaican agricultural authorities as a true Scotch Bonnet suitable for large-scale cultivation.