Although it looks like something you might fish out of Snoop Dogg’s ashtray, this highly sought-after is a Chipotle pepper. So what exactly is a Chipotle? In fact, they actually start off as a jalapeño. Yes, those green, picked, sour chilies you use on your nachos.
Green Jalapeños
The growers allow the jalapeño to mature to a vibrant red, which is then dried then smoked leaving it dryer than a three-week-old moth sandwich.
Red Mature Jalapeño
The History of the Chipotle
This preservation method gives the Chipotle its distinctive and deep flavour, with smoky, sweet, and earthy notes. The name “Chipotle” comes from the Nahuatl word “chilpoctli,” meaning “smoked chili.” They made great chilies but I don’t think product naming is their forte. This beauty has been used for centuries not only for its flavour but also for its ability to be preserved for long periods. They are a fundamental ingredient in traditional Mexican cuisine and are now popular all over the world giving dishes a nutty, smoky intense flavour.
Chipotle Morita
How spicy is Chipotle?
Chipotle is a mild chili, with its heat level sitting at a moderate scale compared to other more extreme chilies. On the Scoville scale, Chipotle ranges between 2,500 and 8,000 Scoville units, similar to the jalapeño. This makes it considerably less spicy than chilies like the Habanero, which can reach up to 350,000 Scoville units, and the Ghost Pepper, which can exceed 1,000,000 Scoville units.
Chipotle offers a balanced combination of flavour and heat, making it a versatile option for those who enjoy spiciness without reaching the extreme levels of other varieties.
Why is Chipotle so popular?
Chipotle has gained popularity for several reasons. Its distinctive smoky flavour adds a unique depth to a wide range of dishes, from sauces and marinades to soups and stews. This characteristic flavour sets it apart from other chilies and makes it highly appreciated in both Mexican and international cuisine.
Besides its culinary versatility, Chipotle has become a favourite in modern cuisine for its ability to enhance the flavour of ingredients without overpowering the dish. Its popularity has also been boosted by the rise of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine worldwide, where Chipotle is widely used.
Chipotle Hot Sauces
In today’s market, you can find a variety of Chipotle-based products, including sauces and condiments that allow you to easily enjoy its flavour at home. If you really want to bring the heat, try the TheSauceMan sauces, including Chipotle with Crispy Chili sauce, which brings life to any dish, from burritos to ramen. TheSauceMan offers high-quality sauces, using only the finest ingredients bring to life the authentic flavour of Chipotle.