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.
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.
In Mexico, chili peppers were integrated into the culinary and spiritual culture of many pre-Columbian civilizations, such as the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs.
Called chilli in Nahuatl, they were used not only as food but also as medicine and ritual object.
The Mayans, for example, believed in the medicinal properties of chili peppers, a belief that continues today with the recognition of their health benefits.
The domestication of chili peppers by Mesoamerican peoples led to an incredible diversity of varieties. Each region of Mexico developed its own types of chili peppers, adapted to the local climate and culinary preferences. This diversification laid the foundation for the rich palette of flavors we know today in Mexican cuisine.
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.
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.
Chili peppers also play a spiritual and medicinal role. Historically, they have been used in funeral rites and to ward off bad energies.
Even today, some traditions persist, such as placing a cross-shaped pepper at the bottom of pots to protect against evil spirits.
Additionally, chili pepper is renowned for its medicinal properties, being used to treat various ailments ranging from hangovers to skin problems.
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.
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:
At the heart of many traditional recipes is what is called
the "Holy Trinity" of Mexican dried peppers:
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.
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
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.
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 |
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 |
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
Dried chili peppers are often used in stews to add depth of flavor.
Chili peppers are also used to marinate meats before grilling.
Fresh peppers can be stuffed to create flavorful dishes.
Chili peppers are also used to marinate meats before grilling.
Enchiladas are another classic example where chili peppers play a central role.
Chili peppers can also be used to spice up classic side dishes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chili peppers can help improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels, which can reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
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.
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. 🌶️
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