CHILI PEPPER

An essential ingredient in Mexican cuisine and culture, chili peppers reveal all their secrets here. Their importance in Mexico, the varieties we use in our recipes, their flavors, their origins, their intensities on the Scoville scale, their uses in Mexican cuisine. You will know everything about chili peppers and their history intimately linked to Mexico and Mexicans.

An Essential Ingredient of Mexican Cuisine

Chili peppers, or chiles, occupy a central place in Mexican cuisine and culture.


Used for thousands of years, they are much more than just a condiment. Their diversity in terms of flavors, colors and levels of heat make them a must-have ingredient for any lover of Mexican cuisine. Whether adding a touch of heat to a dish or enriching the flavors of a recipe, chili peppers bring a unique dimension to gastronomy.


This page invites you to discover the fascinating world of chili peppers, their rich history, their distinct varieties, and their crucial role in our recipes at Las Chachitas.

The History of Chili Peppers in Mexico

Chili peppers, native to South America, have a fascinating history that goes back thousands of years. They likely originated in Bolivia and spread to Central and South America thanks to birds dispersing their seeds. 1 Archaeological evidence shows that chili peppers were being eaten as early as 7,000 BCE in the Americas, particularly in regions such as Tehuacan in Mexico and Giutarrero in Peru.

With the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century, chili peppers were discovered by Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to the Americas. They were soon introduced to Europe, where they gained popularity for their ability to spice up dishes. Since then, chili peppers have become a globally appreciated ingredient, cultivated and consumed in various forms.


Today, the chili pepper is a strong symbol of Mexican identity. It is present in almost all traditional Mexican dishes and continues to play a central role in the country's gastronomy.

Chili Peppers as a Cultural Symbol

In Mexico, chili peppers are much more than just a culinary ingredient. They represent a deep cultural symbol, rooted in the national identity. Chili peppers are often considered a culinary birth certificate, identifying a person’s geographic origins based on the type of chili pepper they consume.1 Each region of Mexico has its own varieties of chili peppers, which are integrated into traditional dishes and cultural rituals.

In Mexican cuisine, the heat of chili peppers is considered a crucial element that helps balance and enhance the flavors of dishes.


Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat, is even thought to aid in the digestion of high-fat foods. Thus, the consumption of chili peppers goes beyond mere taste pleasure; it is a cultural and identity act that reflects national pride and resilience in the face of culinary challenges.

The Different Varieties of Mexican Peppers

Mexico is renowned for its impressive diversity of peppers, which enrich the local cuisine with unique and varied flavors. In Mexico, there are 64 listed species and more than 200 Creole species, each with its own characteristics in terms of size, color, shape and intensity of spiciness.


Here are some of the most iconic varieties:

POPULAR FRESH CHILI PEPPERS

THE "HOLY TRINITY"
DRIED CHILI PEPPERS

At the heart of many traditional recipes is what is called
the "Holy Trinity" of Mexican dried peppers:

SMOKED CHILI PEPPERS

The smoking process, often done after the peppers have been dried, infuses the peppers with a woody, slightly sweet flavor while preserving their heat. This process is used for several varieties of peppers, which are then incorporated into sauces, marinades, or stews.

Scoville scale

The Scoville scale, created in 1912 by American pharmacologist Wilbur Scoville, is a measurement system used to assess the pungency (or "hotness") of chili peppers and other substances containing capsaicinoids, primarily capsaicin, the chemical compound responsible for the sensation of heat. The scale is expressed in Scoville Heat Units (SHU) , which indicate how many times a substance must be diluted before the heat is no longer perceptible.

Original Method: The Organoleptic Test

The original method, called the Scoville Organoleptic Test , involved a tasting process.

An alcoholic extract of the pepper was diluted in a sugar-water solution and then given to a panel of five tasters. The solution was gradually diluted until three of the five tasters could no longer detect heat. The number of dilutions required determined the number of Scoville Units (SHU). For example, a pepper that required 8,000 dilutions to lose all heat sensation would be rated at 8,000 SHU.

However, this method had several limitations,
including human subjectivity and sensory fatigue of tasters

Modern Method: High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Since the 1980s, the Scoville scale has been measured more precisely using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) . This analytical method directly quantifies the concentration of capsaicinoids in a pepper. The results are then converted to Scoville units by multiplying the parts per million (ppm) of capsaicinoids by 16.

This method is much more reliable and reproducible than the organoleptic test.

The World's Hottest Peppers on the Scoville Scale

Here's a look at the hottest peppers in the world,
classified according to their intensity on the Scoville scale:

Pepper Scoville Heat Units (SHU) Origin
Pepper X 2,693,000 Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
Carolina Reaper 2,200,000 Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion 2,009,231 Trinidad and Tobago
7 Pot Douglah 1,853,936 Trinidad
Komodo Dragon 1,400,000 - 2,200,000 United Kingdom
Naga Viper 1,349,000 United Kingdom
Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) 1,041,427 India

Mexican Peppers on the Scoville Scale

Mexico is famous for its diversity of chili peppers.
Here are some popular examples and how they rank on the scale:

Pepper Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
Poblano (fresh) 1,000 - 2,000
Ancho (dried Poblano) 1,000 - 2,000
Pasilla 1,000 - 2,500
Cascabel 1,000 - 3,000
Guajillo 2,500 - 5,000
Mulato 2,500 - 3,000
Jalapeño (fresh) 2,500 - 8,000
Chipotle Morita 5,000 - 10,000
Chipotle Meco 5,000 - 15,000
Serrano 10,000 - 25,000
Chile de Arbol 15,000 - 30,000
Habanero 100,000 - 350,000

Pure Capsaicin

To put these numbers into perspective,
Pure capsaicin reaches about 16 million Scoville Units (SHU).
This represents the maximum possible level on the scale.

In short

The Scoville scale measures the heat of peppers based on their capsaicin content. Mexican peppers come in a wide variety of heat levels, from mild Poblano to intense Habanero. These peppers are essential to Mexico's culinary richness and bring unique flavors to traditional dishes.

Chili Peppers in Mexican Cuisine

Chili peppers are a fundamental ingredient in Mexican cuisine, not only to add heat, but also to provide complex and varied flavors. Each variety of chili pepper has its own characteristics, and their use in Mexican dishes is as diverse as the country's culinary culture. Here are some examples of how chili peppers are used in traditional Mexican dishes.


Chili Peppers: A Central Ingredient

In Mexican cuisine, chile peppers are more than just a condiment. They are often the main ingredient that defines the character of a dish. Whether it is in sauces like mole, fresh salsas or meat marinades, chile peppers add a depth of flavor and heat that varies depending on the variety used. About 90% of Mexican dishes contain chile peppers in some form.


Diversity of Peppers

Mexico is one of the largest producers and consumers of chili peppers in the world, with over 60 varieties grown throughout the country. Each region has its own preferences when it comes to chili peppers, and each traditional dish can be associated with a specific variety:

  1. Jalapeño peppers are often used fresh in salsas like pico de gallo or stuffed in chiles rellenos.
  2. Ancho chile, a dried version of the Poblano, is a key ingredient in mole poblano, a complex and richly flavored sauce.
  3. Chipotle pepper, a smoked jalapeño, is used to add a smoky flavor to sauces like chipotle en adobo.

Salsas: An Essential Presence on Mexican Tables

Salsas are ubiquitous in Mexican cuisine and are an integral part of every meal. Whether in restaurants or at home, it is common to find several types of salsas laid out on the table to accompany any dish. The three most common salsas are:

  1. Salsa Verde: Prepared with tomatillos and green peppers such as Serrano or Jalapeño, this green salsa brings a tangy freshness to dishes such as tacos, enchiladas or chilaquiles. Its use is very widespread in Mexico, especially in the central and southern regions
  2. Salsa Roja: Made from ripe tomatoes and red peppers like Serrano or Chile de Árbol, this red salsa has a richer and often spicier flavor than Salsa Verde. It pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, and enchiladas.
  3. Pico de Gallo: Also called salsa fresca, this salsa is made with raw ingredients like tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, and lime. It is especially popular for its freshness and crunchy texture. It is often served with tacos, grilled meats, or even just tortilla chips.

These salsas are not just a side dish; they are an integral part of the meal and allow you to adjust the taste and intensity of the spiciness according to your preferences.


Stewed Dishes and Soup

Dried chili peppers are often used in stews to add depth of flavor.

  1. Mole Poblano: This iconic dish from Central Mexico is a complex sauce made from several varieties of dried chile peppers like Ancho, Mulato, and Pasilla, mixed with bitter chocolate, spices, and other ingredients like peanuts or almonds.2 Mole is often served over chicken or turkey on special occasions.
  2. Pozole Rojo: This traditional soup is made with pork, hominy (nixtamalized corn), and a sauce made with dried chiles like Guajillo or Pasilla. The dish is served with various fresh accompaniments like shredded cabbage, radishes, and lime.

Grilled Meats and Marinades

Chili peppers are also used to marinate meats before grilling.

  1. Tacos al Pastor: This popular dish is made with pork marinated in a sauce made with guajillo pepper, pineapple, garlic and spices. The meat is then cooked on a vertical spit (similar to shawarma) before being served in tortillas with onion and cilantro.
  2. Camarones al Chipotle: Shrimp are marinated and then cooked in a chipotle-based sauce en adobo, which adds an intense smoky flavor. This dish is often served with rice or on crispy tortillas.

Stuffed Dishes

Fresh peppers can be stuffed to create flavorful dishes.

  1. Chiles Rellenos: The mild but flavorful Poblano pepper is often stuffed with a cheese or ground meat mixture, then coated in batter before being fried. This dish is usually served with a mildly spicy tomato sauce.

Grilled Meats and Marinades

Chili peppers are also used to marinate meats before grilling.

  1. Tacos al Pastor: This popular dish is made with pork marinated in a sauce made with guajillo pepper, pineapple, garlic and spices. The meat is then cooked on a vertical spit (similar to shawarma) before being served in tortillas with onion and cilantro.
  2. Camarones al Chipotle: Shrimp are marinated and then cooked in a chipotle-based sauce en adobo, which adds an intense smoky flavor. This dish is often served with rice or on crispy tortillas.

Enchiladas

Enchiladas are another classic example where chili peppers play a central role.

  1. Green Enchiladas: Made with a sauce made from tomatillos and green peppers like jalapeño or serrano, these enchiladas are topped with shredded chicken or cheese, then covered in the green sauce before being baked in the oven.
  2. Red Enchiladas: Similar to enchiladas verdes but prepared with a red sauce made with tomatoes and dried peppers such as Guajillo or Pasilla.

Accompaniments

Chili peppers can also be used to spice up classic side dishes.

  1. Spicy Mexican Rice: Mexican rice is often prepared with tomatoes, onions and sometimes even pieces of jalapeño or serrano peppers to add a little extra heat.

Chiles are ubiquitous in Mexican cuisine in all their forms—fresh, dried, smoked, or pickled—and bring an unmatched richness to traditional dishes. Whether in the salsas served at every meal, complex sauces like mole poblano, or slow-cooked dishes like pozole rojo, chiles play a crucial role in Mexico’s culinary identity.

Peppers in Our Recipes

At Las Chachitas, we have developed a range of artisanal hot salsas, made in France with local ingredients and peppers grown in France.

Each salsa is designed to deliver a unique combination of heat and flavor inspired by Mexican traditions. Here’s a look at our signature recipes.


Jalapeño Salsa

Our Salsa Jalapeño is a fresh and tangy sauce, perfect for those discovering the pleasures of heat. Made with tomatillos, zucchini, French jalapeños, and enhanced with lime juice and Provencal ingredients, it offers the perfect balance between freshness and sweetness.

  1. Pepper used: Jalapeño (2,500 to 8,000 SHU)
  2. Spicy Level: 🇫🇷 1/6 | 🇲🇽 0/6
  3. Directions for use: Ideal for dips, or to accompany fish, tacos or barbecues.

Chipotle Salsa

Chipotle Salsa is sweet and smoky, with the distinctive flavor of chipotle peppers combined with French tomatoes, Provençal honey, and pineapple. This sauce is perfect for lovers of smoky flavors with a touch of sweetness.

  1. Pepper used: Chipotle (5,000 to 10,000 SHU)
  2. Spicy Level: 🇫🇷 1/6 | 🇲🇽 0/6
  3. Directions for use: Perfect with red meats, pork, cheese,
    or at a barbecue.

Habanero Salsa

For those who like a bit of heat, Salsa Habanero offers a more assertive spiciness thanks to the French habanero pepper. Made with tomatoes and carrots, this fruity and tangy salsa is ideal for those who don't mind a little heat.

  1. Pepper used: Habanero (100,000 to 350,000 SHU)
  2. Spicy Level: 🇫🇷 2/6 | 🇲🇽 1/6
  3. Directions for use: Goes perfectly with fish, salads
    or barbecue dishes.

Red Salsa

Salsa Roja is an intense sauce made with tomatoes and French-grown serrano and red jalapeño peppers and arbol peppers. It offers an explosion of spicy flavors with a real kick of heat.

  1. Peppers used:
    1. Serrano (10,000 to 23,000 SHU)
    2. Jalapeño (2,500 to 8,000 SHU)
    3. Tree (15,000 to 30,000 SHU)
  2. Spicy Level: 🇫🇷 2/6 | 🇲🇽 1/6
  3. Directions for use: Ideal to accompany red meats, chicken
    or tacos at a barbecue.

Salsa Verde

Our Salsa Verde, made with tomatillos and French green serrano peppers, offers an intense and tangy blend. The serrano pepper brings a moderate heat while the tomatillos add a refreshing touch.

  1. Peppers used:
    1. Serrano (10,000 to 23,000 SHU)
    2. Tree (15,000 to 30,000 SHU)
  2. Spicy Level: 🇫🇷 3/6 | 🇲🇽 2/6
  3. Directions for use: Perfect to accompany pork, fish
    or tacos at a barbecue.

Salsa Huate

Salsa Huate is unique thanks to its bold combination of tomatoes, roasted peanuts and arbol chiles. This powerful sauce offers an explosive mix between the sweetness of peanuts and the intensity of arbol chile.

  1. Pepper used: Tree (15,000 to 30,000 SHU)
  2. Spicy Level: 🇫🇷 4/6 | 🇲🇽 3/6
  3. Directions for use: Ideal on pizza, in your sandwiches, salads, pasta
    or at a barbecue.

Salsa 3 Chiles

Salsa 3 Chiles combines three iconic varieties —serrano, jalapeño, and habanero— to create a fruity, tangy, and punchy sauce. Tomatillos add a tangy freshness that balances the intense heat of the chiles.

  1. Peppers used:
    1. Habanero (100K - 350K SHU)
    2. Serrano (10K - 23K SHU),
    3. Jalapeño (2.5K - 8K SHU)
  2. Spicy Level: 🇫🇷 5/6 | 🇲🇽 4/6
  3. Directions for use: Ideal to accompany tacos, salads or fish during a barbecue.

Our hot salsas are designed to satisfy all chili lovers, whether they are novices or experts in the heat. Each recipe highlights the richness of Mexican flavors while incorporating local French ingredients to create a unique culinary experience. Whether you like your sauces mild or hot, there is a Las Chachitas salsa for you!

Health Benefits of Chili Peppers

Chili peppers are not only loved for their taste and heat, they also offer many health benefits. Thanks to their content of capsaicin, the chemical compound responsible for the sensation of heat, chili peppers can have beneficial effects on the body when consumed regularly.

Antioxidant Properties

Chili peppers, especially the red varieties, are rich in antioxidants such as vitamins A and C. These antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and some cancers.

Anti-inflammatory effect

Capsaicin found in chili peppers has known anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for people with chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Improved Metabolism

Consuming chili peppers can boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. Capsaicin increases thermogenesis (heat production in the body), which can help burn more calories after a spicy meal.

Pain Relief

Capsaicin is also used in topical creams to relieve pain, particularly in the treatment of joint and muscle pain. It works by temporarily desensitizing pain receptors in the skin.

Improved Blood Circulation

Chili peppers can help improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels, which can reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.

Strengthening the Immune System

Thanks to their high vitamin C content, chili peppers help strengthen the immune system, promoting better resistance to common infections such as colds or flu.


In addition to adding a spicy and flavorful kick to your dishes, chili peppers offer a multitude of health benefits. Whether you're a heat lover or simply want to reap the nutritional benefits of chili peppers, incorporating these ingredients into your diet can contribute to better overall health.

Discover the world of Mexican Peppers with Las Chachitas

Chiles are more than just an ingredient in Mexican cuisine: they’re its very essence, bringing a wealth of flavors, textures, and heat that vary from region to region and dish to dish. From the tangy freshness of salsa verde to the smoky depth of chipotle, each chile tells a story and plays a crucial role in Mexican cuisine.


Whether in salsas that are ubiquitous on Mexican tables, complex sauces like mole poblano, or slow-cooked dishes like pozole rojo, chiles are used in all their forms: fresh, dried, smoked, or pickled. Their diversity allows for endless flavor combinations to be explored, while also providing health benefits thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.


At Las Chachitas, we are committed to respecting this tradition by incorporating Mexican peppers into our artisanal recipes. Our salsas, made in France with local ingredients and peppers grown on site, are an invitation to discover or rediscover the richness of Mexican cuisine. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned lover of spiciness, there is always a pepper and a salsa that will awaken your taste buds.


So, whether you opt for the smoky sweetness of our Chipotle Salsa, the fruity intensity of our Habanero Salsa, or the tangy freshness of our Salsa Verde, let yourself be carried away by the spicy and tasty world of Mexican peppers. 🌶️

Pack of 3 hot salsas
€25,00
€27,00
€25,00
Unit price
€46,30 per kg
Salsa 3 Chiles
€9,00
€9,00
Unit price
€50,00 per kg
Chipotle Salsa
€9,00
€9,00
Unit price
€50,00 per kg
Jalapeño Salsa
€9,00
€9,00
Unit price
€50,00 per kg
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