Hot pepper (Capsicum chinense) continues to contribute significantly to export earnings in Dominica. 2003 earnings from hot peppers amounted to EC$524,000 nationally (Central Statistics Office).

Between 2003 and 2004 DEXIA's hot pepper export to the USA amounted to 89.1% of total exports of hot peppers. Hot peppers accounted for 64.1% of the total revenues at DEXIA for the year 2002-2003.

The main areas of production in Dominica are:

1. Grand Bay
2. Marigot
3. Castle Bruce
4. La Plaine
5. And a few plots can also be found along the West Coast and the environs of Roseau.

The most common Varieties of Hot Peppers are:

1. Jamaican Scotch Bonnets
2. Habaneros
3. West Indian Red
4. CARDI Green

Uses of Hot peppers are:

1. Eaten raw or cooked for its fiery hot flavor
2. Sold worldwide as a spice in dried or powdered form
3. Used around the world to make hot pepper sauces
4. Used as a dipping sauce
5. Are used in India to make snacks or it is salted and roasted to be used as a side dish for rice
6. In Korean and Philippine cuisines, the leaves of the hot pepper are used in the preparation of soups
7. Grown for decorative purposes and referred to as ornamental peppers