A Complete Guide to Chili Peppers from the Americas
Introduction
Chili peppers are deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of North, Central, and South America, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. This guide explores the most popular chili peppers from the Americas, their growing seasons, regions, spice blends, sauces, and best food pairings to help you maximize their flavors.
Chili Peppers of North America
1. Ancho (Dried Poblano) – Mexico & Southwestern U.S.
🔥 Fresh Form: Poblano Pepper
🔥 Season: Summer to early fall
🔥 Scoville Heat: 1,000-2,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Mole sauce, chili powder blends
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Enchiladas, stews, grilled meats
2. Jalapeño – Mexico & Southern U.S.
🔥 Season: Late spring to fall
🔥 Scoville Heat: 2,500-8,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Hot sauces, pickled chilies, salsas
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Nachos, tacos, burgers
3. Chipotle (Smoked Jalapeño) – Mexico
🔥 Season: Year-round (smoked & dried)
🔥 Scoville Heat: 2,500-10,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Adobo sauce, BBQ rubs, marinades
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Pork, beans, grilled vegetables
4. Serrano – Mexico
🔥 Season: Summer to fall
🔥 Scoville Heat: 10,000-23,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Fresh salsas, hot sauces
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Eggs, seafood, tacos
5. Habanero – Mexico & Caribbean
🔥 Season: Late spring to fall
🔥 Scoville Heat: 100,000-350,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Caribbean hot sauces, jerk seasoning
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Chicken, seafood, tropical fruit dishes
Chili Peppers of Central America
6. Guajillo – Mexico & Central America
🔥 Fresh Form: Mirasol Pepper
🔥 Season: Year-round
🔥 Scoville Heat: 2,500-5,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Mole, tamales, spice rubs
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Soups, roasted meats, marinades
7. Aji Dulce – Caribbean & Central America
🔥 Season: Year-round
🔥 Scoville Heat: 0-500 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Sofrito, mild hot sauces
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Stews, rice, beans
8. Chile de Árbol – Mexico & Central America
🔥 Season: Summer to early fall
🔥 Scoville Heat: 30,000-50,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Hot sauces, chili oil
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Soups, grilled meats, spice blends
9. Rocoto – Guatemala & Costa Rica
🔥 Season: Year-round
🔥 Scoville Heat: 100,000-250,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Stuffed peppers, salsas
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Beef, empanadas, stews
Chili Peppers of South America
10. Aji Amarillo – Peru & Bolivia
🔥 Season: Late summer to early fall
🔥 Scoville Heat: 30,000-50,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Peruvian sauces, ceviche
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Potatoes, seafood, chicken
11. Aji Panca – Peru & Ecuador
🔥 Season: Year-round
🔥 Scoville Heat: 500-1,500 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Stews, marinades, sauces
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Slow-cooked meats, rice dishes
12. Malagueta – Brazil
🔥 Season: Year-round
🔥 Scoville Heat: 50,000-100,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Brazilian hot sauces, stews
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Chicken, beans, seafood
13. Chiltepín – Northern South America & Mexico
🔥 Season: Summer to fall
🔥 Scoville Heat: 50,000-100,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Crushed chili flakes, spice blends
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Soups, tacos, scrambled eggs
14. Aji Cristal – Chile
🔥 Season: Summer
🔥 Scoville Heat: 30,000-50,000 SHU
🔥 Common Uses: Chilean hot sauces, ceviche
🔥 Best Food Pairings: Grilled meats, seafood
Chili Pepper-Based Sauces & Spice Blends
Mole (Mexico)
🔥 Key Peppers: Ancho, Guajillo
🔥 Best With: Poultry, rice, tamales
Piri Piri Sauce (Brazil & Africa)
🔥 Key Peppers: Malagueta
🔥 Best With: Grilled meats, seafood
Aji Amarillo Sauce (Peru)
🔥 Key Peppers: Aji Amarillo
🔥 Best With: Potatoes, ceviche, stews
Hot Chili Oil (Mexico & Central America)
🔥 Key Peppers: Chile de Árbol
🔥 Best With: Noodles, tacos, grilled meats
Latin American Dry Spice Blend
🔥 Key Peppers: Aji Panca, Guajillo, Ancho
🔥 Best With: Rubs for beef, pork, and chicken
Final Thoughts on Cooking with Chili Peppers
✅ Use fresh or dried chilies depending on the dish.
✅ Adjust heat levels by removing seeds and membranes.
✅ Pair with the right flavors—smoky, fruity, and tangy chilies work best in different recipes.
✅ Experiment with spice blends and sauces to enhance flavor complexity.
🔥 Shop our premium chili powders, hot sauces, and spice blends to take your dishes to the next level! 🔥
