Chipotle

Common Name

Chipotle peppers are in fact jalapeno peppers that have smoked-dried until they become a brown color. Native to Mexico, chipotle peppers predate the Aztec civilization when earlier civilizations would smoke the jalapeno peppers to prevent them from spoiling. The Aztecs continued this process because jalapenos would not dry properly or entirely in the sun. They smoked jalapenos the same way they dried meat, by exposing the peppers to smoke in an enclosed space.

During the drying process, chipotle peppers lose some heat and consequently aren't as hot as fresh jalapeno peppers. Chipotle peppers measure about 5,500 Scoville Heat Units**, mostly due to the seeds found within the pepper. Once the seeds are removed, Chipotle peppers are relatively less hot, although they still deliver a slight kick.

Chipotles are made from the fruit of Capsicum annum and are kept on the vine as long as possible. Once the peppers begin to lose moisture they are spread out on a grill and sealed in a chamber, where they are left for days at a time and stirred every once in a while.

JUST HOW HOT IT HOT?

• 0-100 Scoville Units - Bell & Sweet pepper varieties.
• 100-500 Scoville Units - Pimento peppers & Pepperoncini.
• 500-1,000 Scoville Units - New Mexican peppers.
• 500-2,500 Scoville Units - Anaheim peppers
• 1,000-1,500 Scoville Units - Espanola & Poblano peppers.
• 1,000-2,000 Scoville Units - Ancho & Pasilla peppers.
• 1,000-2,500 Scoville Units - Cascabel & Cherry peppers.
• 2,500-8,000 Scoville Units - Jalapeno & Mirasol peppers.
• 10,000-20,000 Scoville Units - Serrano peppers.
• 15,000-30,000 Scoville Units - de Arbol peppers.
• 30,000-50,000 Scoville Units - Cayenne, Pequin & Tabasco peppers.
• 50,000-100,000 Scoville Units - Chiltepin peppers & Malagueta peppers.
• 100,000-350,000 Scoville Units - Scotch Bonnet & Thai peppers.
• 200,000 to 300,000 Scoville Units - Habanero peppers.
• 16,000,000+ Scoville Units - Pure Capsaicin

**Scoville units are a unit of heat measurement created in 1912 by chemist Wilbur Scoville. Today, HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) performs objective heat analysis to measure total heat present and levels of capsaicinoids.

Purported Medicinal Qualities*

Many of chipotle peppers medicinal benefits come from capsaicin. Capsaicin is an ingredient in all chili peppers that is responsible for their heat. The more capsaicin found in the pepper, the hotter the pepper is.

Historically, chipotle peppers has been used to:

• Reduce inflamation
• Promote cardiovascular health
• As a source of fiber
• Aid weight loss
• Prevent stomach ulcers
• Expectorate
• As a source of vitamin A and C
• Relieve pain topically

*Always check with your healthcare provider before consuming, inhaling or otherwise ingesting any non-prescription or prescription natural or homeopathic substance or pharmaceutical. ChefatHand.com is not recommending, suggesting, inferring or otherwise endorsing the use of any herb or spice as a medication.

Culinary/Suggested Use

Chipotles are an excellent choice of peppers if you would like something a little milder, with a smoky, earthy flavor. Often added to salsas, chipotle peppers can be used to make adobo, a type of marinade made with vinegar, tomatoes and assorted varieties of chilis. Chipotle peppers are available whole, canned or ground.  Food for thought:

• Add ground chipotle to mayonnaise, sour cream, plain yogurt or cream cheese and use as a spread or as a dip for tortillas or vegetables
• Add ground chipotle to ground beef
• Puree whole chipotle peppers and add mixture to salsas, marinades and sauces
• Blend chipotle powder with garlic and cumin and use as a rub for pork or chicken
• Add chopped or ground chipotle to mashed potatoes
• Add ground or chopped chipotle to tuna, egg or potato salad
• Add chipotle powder to chili and garnish with whole chipotles

view other A-Z Spices