Dried chipotle peppers

Dried chipotle chiles are smoked and dried ripe jalapeño peppers that have been dehydrated to concentrate their flavor and aroma. They have a dark red or brown color and a wrinkled texture. Their flavor is characterized by a moderate spiciness combined with smoky, earthy, and slightly sweet notes, making them ideal for adding depth of flavor to various dishes.

The origin of chipotles is in Mexico, where they have been used since pre-Hispanic times in traditional cuisine. Their drying and smoking process emerged as an ancestral technique to preserve the jalapeño pepper and create an ingredient with a unique profile.

Regarding their properties, dried chipotles are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidant compounds and capsaicin, which contribute to anti-inflammatory effects and stimulate metabolism. Additionally, they provide an intense flavor without the need to add excessive fat or salt.

In the Hispanic American world, dried chipotle may also be referred to simply as chipotle, chipotle pepper, or chile chipotle, depending on the region. In some areas, they are known as smoked capsicum or smoked pepper, although these terms are less common.

This ingredient is essential in sauces, stews, adobos, and marinades, providing a characteristic flavor that combines heat and smoke, highly valued in Mexican cuisine and increasingly used in international recipes.