In traditional Mexican restaurants there is usually an option for red or green chili sauce and red or green burritos etc. This is because red chili is traditional in Northern Mexico and green chiles are more common in southern Mexican cuisine. Not only were red and green chilies used in different regions, they also taste different. Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant would like to share the major differences between red and green chilies, tell you their story as well as its great health benefits.
Poblano peppers are beautifully mild green peppers that impart a deeper, smokier flavour than comparable green bell peppers. Compared to Indian green chilies, Poblanos are extremely mild, about 1000-2000 scoville units per pepper compared to 15,000-30,000 scoville units for a green chili.
Green VS Red Chiles
Some of the best chilies are grown in New Mexico, where much of the different chilies are grown and distributed throughout the United States. New Mexico is most famous for its red and green chiles. When discussing the difference between red and green chili, you might want to know that in the beginning, they were actually the same chili. All chiles started out green and as they ripen they will begin to turn red in color. Essentially, a green chili is unripe which produces less heat and even a sweeter flavor. The red chiles are a fully ripened chili pepper which will tend to be hotter and not as sweet, but full of zesty heat. Both chiles are picked at different times and are prepared in different ways. Both chili peppers are hung to dry, or are roasted, crushed into flakes, or ground into chili power.
Where Did Chili Peppers Originate?
Green and red chiles have an amazing story to tell. The chili pepper originated in Bolivia as a berry and not the spicy peppers we know today. When classifying a chili pepper, it is actually classified as a fruit and not a vegetable, which explains its berry origin. However, chiles greatly changed as they spread throughout South America and into Mexico. Over time, chiles evolved into its own subgroup of plant which is the Capsicum genus food group. Most mammals do not like to eat chiles but were spread by birds. As the original berry adapted to the different climates, so did its taste. In this way the berry became the chili pepper we know today which is why the green chili pepper tends to be slightly sweet and is full of seeds.
Poblano Vs. Anaheim Pepper
FAQ
Can I substitute green chilies for poblano peppers?
Are poblano peppers green chilies?
What pepper is closest to green chile?
What is the difference between green peppers and poblanos?
Are chile poblano peppers mild?
That said, as compared to other peppers, poblanos are generally considered to be quite mild. Learn more about different type of chile peppers in this blog post. There are myriad uses for chile poblano in the kitchen. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate them into my meals:
What are the alternatives to chili peppers?
Dedo-de-moça pepper, one of the most popular, dedo-de-moça is delicious in the form of a sauce, ground, dehydrated, preserved or fresh; A scented or biquinho pepper, originating from the state of Bahia in Brazil, this pepper’s trademark is its strong aroma and more moderate heat; Tabasco pepper, Tabasco pepper originates from North America and is normally used in portions, starters with meat or to finish dishes.
What is a green poblano pepper?
The green poblano pepper is universally mild. The poblano has been one of the most popular peppers in Mexico for years. They are served dried, fried with whipped egg, stuffed, or used in sauces such as mole. They are also popular as a salsa ingredient.
Are Poblanos the same as bell peppers?
Poblanos, in many ways, have similar features to bell peppers. They grow to roughly four inches long and two inches wide. They aren’t as rounded as bells, often have a more angular wedge shape. But poblanos have a good amount of width, leading to a large interior cavity.