Description
Chilli Name: TRUE JAMAICAN SCOTCH BONNET
Chilli Species: Chinense
Chilli Origin: Jamaica
Chilli Heat: Very Hot
True Jamaican Scotch Bonnet MOA — The Official Scotch Bonnet of Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture
The True Jamaican Scotch Bonnet MOA is the authentic, government-selected strain of Capsicum chinense, developed and approved by Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) as the national standard for Scotch Bonnet production. MOA stands for Ministry of Agriculture, and this variety was selected to preserve the true flavour, shape, and heat profile of Jamaica’s most iconic chilli.
The plant produces squat, ribbed, bonnet-shaped pods that ripen to a vibrant yellow, sometimes with slight orange hues. Unlike many Scotch Bonnet lookalikes or hybrids, the MOA strain stays true to its Caribbean roots with a bold, fruity, tropical aroma, often described as mango- or pineapple-like, and a searing heat typically in the 100,000–200,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) range.
This variety is highly productive, suited to Jamaica’s tropical climate, and has been stabilised to ensure consistent pod shape, colour, and pungency — making it ideal for commercial farmers, seed producers, and home growers who want the real deal. It thrives in warm, sunny environments and requires a long season to reach full potential.
What sets the MOA strain apart is its certified pedigree — it’s not a hybrid or approximation, but the official Scotch Bonnet used in Jamaican food production and export. It’s the variety used in traditional jerk sauces, pepper pastes, and national dishes across the island.
If you’re looking for the genuine Scotch Bonnet experience, True Jamaican Scotch Bonnet MOA is as authentic as it gets — the real taste of Jamaica, approved by the people who know it best.
