How One Family’s Jamaican Legacy Sparked a Sweet & Spicy Revolution

Some recipes are passed down. Others are ignited.

The story of Scorched Bonnets isn’t just about a pepper spread—it’s about family, memory, bold women, and a spark of Jamaican heat that refuses to fade. At Arinka, we’re proud to carry products that nourish more than just our taste buds. They feed our spirits, tell our stories, and carry traditions forward—and Scorched Bonnets does all of this in one perfect spoonful.

Today, we shine the spotlight on the trio behind the fire—three women (including two sisters) who turned their grandmother’s beloved pepper spread into a product that’s now delighting taste buds across Canada and beyond.

A Legacy Planted in Jamaican Soil

The roots of Scorched Bonnets begin in Kingston, Jamaica, where a young boy named John learned to work the land in his family’s flower business—one of only two in the country at the time. That work ethic, passed down through generations, would become the foundation of something truly special.

John eventually moved to Toronto in the 1950s with his wife Yvonne and their daughter. The couple thrived: Yvonne became a successful business owner in fashion, while John helped build some of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks—including the airport and CN Tower. But their greatest legacy may have been their garden—overflowing with fruit trees, flowers, and most importantly, scotch bonnet peppers.

From Kitchen Favourite to Family Tradition

Yvonne, vibrant and vivacious, was the heart of the family kitchen. And among her many dishes, one stood out above the rest: her sweet and spicy pepper jelly, made from John’s prized scotch bonnets. Whether spooned over cheese and crackers or enjoyed right from the jar, it quickly became a family staple—especially during the holidays.

As time passed, her granddaughters began making the jelly themselves, gifting jars to friends and family each Christmas. It wasn’t long before demand outgrew the kitchen.

From Homemade to High-End

After five years of holiday gifting, the three women behind Scorched Bonnets decided it was time. With encouragement from their community and a deep sense of pride, they launched their luxury pepper spread brand—bringing their grandmother’s fiery legacy to the world.

To honour her spirit, they designed their bottle in the shape of an orange sapphire, the rarest gem in the world—a fitting tribute to a woman who lit up every room with her joy, colour, and unmistakable style.

A Spread with Soul

Scorched Bonnets is more than a condiment—it’s a cultural heirloom. Crafted in small batches using the original family recipe, the Sweet Heat Pepper Spread is:

Sweet, spicy, and perfectly balanced

Made with real scotch bonnet peppers

Free from artificial preservatives

A bold addition to everything from grilled cheese to charcuterie boards

And it carries with it the soul of Jamaican kitchens, the warmth of family gatherings, and the fierce brilliance of three women honouring those who came before them.

Taste the Legacy at Arinka.ca

You can now experience the heat, heritage, and heart behind Scorched Bonnets at www.arinka.ca. We’re honoured to stock this incredible brand and share their story with our community of food lovers.

Because when we say “Taste the Culture,” this is what we mean.