This week’s PhotoHunt theme has a tangible element, in the form of a pile of Scotch Bonnets:

Rated five on the burn scale, Scotch Bonnets derive their name from their similar appearance to the Tam o’Shanter.

To put their potency into chili perspective, if jalapeño peppers score 2,500 – 8,000 on the official chili scale of Scoville Units, then Scotch Bonnets notch up a massive 100,000 – 350,000 Units.

Personally, I go through phases with chilies: for months I will sneak them into every dish, from falafel to pasta and sandwiches; for other stretches I will abhor them and cringe at the mere thought.

Nevertheless, with the cold season once more rearing its ugly head, chilies could become the latest necessity as they hold immunity boosting properties.