Madame Jeanette
Also known as Suriname Yellow · Surinam Yellow · Madame Jennette · Madame Jeanette chili · Surinamese Yellow Pepper
The Madame Jeanette pepper (also known as Suriname Yellow or Surinam Yellow) is a very hot variety native to Suriname. It delivers intense, lingering heat with a subtle yet distinctive fruity-tropical aroma — a staple in Surinamese cuisine and prized for its versatility in spicy dishes.
About 9 times a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU typical).
Growing
~120 days to maturity
Fruit size
5–12 cm
Flavor & Use
Subtle fruity flavor with hints of mango and pineapple, sweet tropical notes, and strong aroma when cooked. The heat is intense and lingering, but the flavor remains clean and versatile rather than overpowering other ingredients.
Culinary
About
Madame Jeanette peppers are *Capsicum chinense* fruits with highly variable shapes: elongated bell-pepper-like, curved, wrinkled, or sometimes pumpkin-shaped. They typically grow 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long with thin skin and walls. Pods start green and ripen to bright yellow (most common) or reddish-yellow. The plant is prolific, compact (2–3 ft tall), and thrives in warm, humid tropical conditions.
Backstory
The Madame Jeanette is a traditional landrace native to Suriname on the northeastern coast of South America. It has grown wild there for centuries and is a cornerstone of Surinamese cuisine, which blends African, Indian, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese influences. The name is rumored to come from a famous Brazilian (or local Surinamese) prostitute known for her beauty and fiery personality — a fitting nickname for such a scorching pepper. It remains one of the most important chilies in Surinamese and Dutch-Caribbean cooking, used fresh, dried, or in sauces for everything from everyday stews to festive dishes.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExploreWe don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is Madame Jeanette?
- Capsi’s sourced range is 100,000–350,000 SHU (Vendor Claim). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat
- What does Madame Jeanette taste like?
- Subtle fruity flavor with hints of mango and pineapple, sweet tropical notes, and strong aroma when cooked. The heat is intense and lingering, but the flavor remains clean and versatile rather than overpowering other ingredients.
- How do I grow Madame Jeanette?
- Madame Jeanette: about 120 days to maturity, tropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
- What can I substitute for Madame Jeanette?
- habanero, Scotch bonnet