Bahamian Goat Pepper – A Quirky and Fruity Chili
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Some of the hottest peppers have origins in the Caribbean. While the Bahamian goat pepper is not among the very hottest, it is one of my personal favorites from the West Indies.
With a name like ‘goat pepper,’ you will likely have some questions about the variety. In this article, I’ll share everything I know about the Bahamian goat pepper, including its origins, flavor, appearance, and growing conditions.
Name and Origin
As we’ve established, the goat pepper comes from the Bahamas and is from the Capsicum chinense species. It is similar to the scotch bonnet in terms of flavor, but has a much stranger appearance, some say like a pumpkin.
Where does the name come from? The origin of the goat pepper’s name is uncertain, but there are a few common theories. One is that the pepper has a spicy ‘kick’ similar to an angry goat’s powerful kick. Another is that the pepper is ugly (I disagree), like a goat.
Another possible reason for its name is that goats and other livestock are commonly raised in the Bahamas. The peppers are therefore commonly found growing nearby actual goats. And finally, when cut open, goat peppers release a powerful aroma that some say smells like a goat.
Fun read: Patrick Holian’s story of his visit to the Bahamas is an exciting quest to find out why the goat pepper is so named.
Goat Pepper Scoville Rating (Heat)
The goat pepper has a powerful heat, but it certainly is not among the very hottest peppers. This makes the Bahamian goat pepper a great candidate for making reasonably spicy hot sauces.
The Bahamian Goat pepper has a Scoville rating between 100,000-300,000 SHUs. This heat level is in line with a common habanero pepper that you might buy at a grocery store.
While heat is similar to habaneros, the flavor is commonly regarded as much better, and I couldn’t agree more!
Bahamian Goat Pepper Flavor and Recipes
One of the standout attributes of the goat pepper is its wonderful flavor and aroma. Just slicing one in half releases a potpourri of lemon, flowers, and pepper into the air.
If you’re brave enough to take a bite of one raw, the flavor is fruity and citrusy, with obvious notes of lemon. The amount you eat is directly correlated to how hot it will be, so start with a small nibble.
Even better, use the goat pepper to enhance the flavor and experience of an authentic Bahamian dish. Goat peppers are commonly used to make spicy conch salad, fried chicken, and more.
Bahamian Goat Pepper Seeds and Growing
If you want to get your hands on some Bahamian goat peppers, chances are you’ll have to grow them. Unless you live in the Caribbean, these peppers are difficult to source locally.
Thankfully, seeds are fairly easy to find online, and growing them is no different than growing scotch bonnets.
Get seeds:
These plants are fairly vigorous, and tend to produce dense collections of peppers. Here in New England, we struggled with some fungal disease issues on the peppers. This may have been due to the plant’s tendency to grow tight bunches of leaves, leading to poor airflow.
Otherwise, the plant is productive and easy to grow. As with many C. chinense species peppers, the Bahamian goat pepper takes a long time to ripen, so be sure to plant early indoors!
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I hope this article has inspired you to try the amazing Bahamian goat pepper for yourself. It is a beautifully, quirky, and delicious pepper that is the perfect alternative to habaneros in your garden.
Calvin
One of the original Pepper Geeks! When Calvin isn’t gardening or learning more about peppers and botany, he might be traveling new places or playing some music.
June 2023, I was fortunate enough to go on a vacation with my wife, kids, and my parents to the beautiful island of Nassau. We stayed at a stunning resort that promised relaxation and adventure in equal measure. Little did I know, this trip would change my life forever.
One sunny afternoon, we decided to explore a local market, eager to experience the vibrant culture and fresh produce of Nassau. As we wandered through the stalls, my eyes were drawn to a colorful display of peppers. Among them, one particular variety stood out: small, wrinkled, and a vivid shade of orange. Curious, I asked the vendor about them.
“These are goat peppers,” he said with a proud smile. “The hottest and most flavorful peppers you’ll find on the island.”
Intrigued, I bought a few to try. That evening, back at the resort, we decided to taste the peppers. The moment I bit into one, I was hit with an intense, fiery heat, followed by an explosion of rich, complex flavors. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The heat was intense but wonderfully balanced with a sweetness that made it irresistible.
I knew I had to bring this culinary treasure back home. The next morning, I carefully cut open the peppers, dried the seeds, and tucked them into my sock for safe transport back to Colorado.
Once home, I bought a grow tent equipped with technology to duplicate the weather, humidity, and climate exactly as it was in Nassau at that particular time of day. I set up an indoor garden dedicated to these remarkable peppers. It took time and patience, but eventually, I was able to propagate and grow the goat peppers thousands of miles away from their island origin. Each harvest brought back memories of our unforgettable trip to Nassau and the incredible discovery that forever spiced up our lives.
That’s a beautiful story, thanks for sharing! They are definitely special peppers 🌶️
the goat pepper has a distinct aroma similar to the odor that the male goat secrets.
hi!..how can you tell the difference, in appearance, between a bahamian goat and freeport scotch bonnet?…they look the same…color is the same…i can’t tell the difference placing them side by side….