Dear Editor,

Back in 2011 I wrote a letter expressing my concern about the state of the scotch bonnet pepper variety. My concern was that we were not taking the necessary steps to ensure the sustainability and viability of this unique pepper.

I had suggested in an earlier article the need for a seed bank at which farmers could secure genuine scotch bonnet seeds for planting. Since then I cannot recall any real action taken to ensure quality production of the pepper. So-called scotch bonnet seeds purchased from government agencies, when planted, produce myriad types of peppers. As a result, 90 per cent of what is grown are a variety of hybrid yellow peppers which do not have the flavour profile of the genuine scotch.

It has now become the norm that once the pepper is yellow it is sold as scotch bonnet, and sadly, accepted as such. Consequently, we are now in danger of losing the unique flavour profile of a multitude of our sauces and condiments.

We in Jamaica tend to think that if we ignore a problem long enough it will go away. The writing has been on the wall for decades. Unfortunately, the unique Jamaican scotch bonnet pepper may now become a thing of the past. It is a pity, as it is synonymous with Brand Jamaica. Once you mention scotch bonnet anywhere in the world, Jamaica comes to mind.

We need to realise that nothing will prosper without proper care.

Urgent actions should now be taken to do whatever is necessary to revive this important indigenous crop. My hope is that it is not too late.

Andrew Gray

Gray’s Pepper

grays.pepper@cwjamaica.com