Mexican Dried Peppers

What are Mexican Dried Peppers?

Mexican Dried peppers are peppers that have been preserved through drying, either under the sun, using hot air tunnels, infrared heat lamps, or even smoking. This process concentrates the flavors and gives them a unique character.

This post contains affiliate links.

Picking the best quality dried chiles is crucial for Traditional Flavorful Mexican Dishes. Not all peppers meet high standards, but this guide will show you how to choose and store them for optimum flavor.

To make truly authentic and delicious dishes, we need both the right recipe and high-quality ingredients. They’re interdependent – a great recipe can’t shine with bad ingredients, and the best ingredients can’t make up for a poorly written recipe.

Enchiladas Recipe Displayed Above.

It’s the combination of the two that brings our family’s traditions to life. Plus, I love that Mexican cuisine has captivated the world. I’m even more pleased to see the responsibility and desire to learn true Mexican food that traces back to our ancestors.

These treasured peppers are the foundation of iconic dishes like Birria, Pozole, Mole, Salsa, and hearty stews like Chile Colorado. The list of recipes is endless!

Honest Conversations 

Having open and honest conversations with the important women in my life is crucial. Through their stories and experiences, I gain inspiration for my cooking. 

My mom, who grew up in a small, rural town with limited access to ingredients, shared how dried peppers were a staple ingredient, adding flavor and vibrancy to their simple meals.

These conversations not only teach me about the depth of flavor peppers impart, but also the importance of presenting a dish that’s visually appealing – after all, we feast with our eyes first.

Click icon below to visit our Instagram page. 

• Instagram

Toasting, A Tricky Business! 

The flavor profile can vary greatly depending on the quality of the chile, ranging from sweet and smoky to bold and spicy. Plus, lightly toasting them brings out their flavors in rich, deep tones. But, beware – toasting can be a bit tricky, as burning them turns them extremely bitter. I mean, really bitter! 

Let me share a funny story about my grandma. She was my mom’s mom. One day, my mom decided to make mole, and she wanted to include my grandma in the cooking process. She gave her the simple task of prepping and toasting the peppers, thinking it would be a great way to keep her involved. But, oh dear! 

My grandma was a bit hesitant, saying her senses were playing tricks on her and she was worried she’d end up burning the peppers. And, well, let’s just say her intuition was spot on!

My mom was so focused on making the perfect mole sauce that she didn’t even notice. And when she finally did notice, being the kind and considerate daughter she is, she didn’t want to hurt my grandma’s feelings by mentioning it. But, let’s just say Grandma wasn’t thrilled – she scolded us, which only made us laugh, and soon she couldn’t help but join in on the laughter! It was a bit of a culinary disaster! 

So, take it from us: don’t burn the peppers, or you’ll end up with a sauce that’s more bitter than sweet!

Flavor – Sabor!

The flavor of dried peppers is influenced by three key factors: pepper variety, which determines the unique flavor profile of each pepper, ranging from the mild guajillo to the sweet and rich pasilla and the smoky and spicy chipotle.

However, a poorly manufactured, stored, or aged pepper can suffer significant flavor loss, resulting in a less vibrant and less intense taste experience.

Where Can I Find These Dried Chiles? 

Mexican Store

Start by visiting a local Mexican store! These specialty stores offer a wide variety of dried Mexican peppers from different brands, typically nestled in the spice section. 

Supermarket

Explore the spice aisle or international food section, and if you can’t find them, don’t hesitate to ask an employee for guidance. 

Interestingly, some stores now display these peppers near the dry produce section, alongside tomatoes, onions, and garlic, in well-sealed packages.

Online

For added convenience, you can now find them online! The only downside is that you can’t see or touch them in person, but you can search and once you find a brand that meets your high standards, stick with it!

Recipe Video Tutorial 

Below is my easy to follow informative video on Mexican Dried Peppers. It will give you an additional in-depth knowledge and the visuals of the step-by-step process to enhance your understanding. 

If you enjoyed the video,  subscribe to my YouTube channel and click the bell icon to receive notifications whenever we post a brand new video.

Thank you for your support!

High Quality Chiles

When making a selection, rely on your senses of sight and touch to guide you. Fortunately, most packaging is see-through, allowing you to inspect the contents carefully. 

Package 

• Examine the packaging for any signs of damage, such as holes or rips in the bag, which cause further drying. Avoid these damaged packages, as overly dried peppers become brittle and lose their flavor. 

• Additionally, verify that the peppers are free from mold, or insects. These are extreme situations, but it doesn’t hurt to check. 

• Finally, ensure that they are properly displayed or stored in a cool, dry location within the store.

Sight and Touch

• Take a moment to feel the peppers by lightly pressing on the bag. Ensure they’re slightly flexible, shiny, plump, and firm, with a stem attached – not brittle.

• They should boast vibrant colors, ranging from deep reds and tawny browns to earthy oranges. These chiles are plump, firm, and full-bodied, reminiscent of dried fruits like apricots, dates, and figs.

• Avoid peppers with dull, faded, or washed-out colors.

Chipotle

When it comes to identifying fresh Chipotle Meco peppers, it can be a bit tricky just by sight, as they have a natural earthy, brownish hue that can make them appear old and dry.

However, there’s a simple way to check their freshness: simply feel them! They should be flexible and soft to the touch. Trust your instincts and go with the feel!

Additionally, while they may have a brownish color, the tone should still be vivid with a fresh appearance.

How to Clean Dried Peppers 

Regardless of the drying method, peppers require a gentle cleaning to remove surface dust. Moreover, in almost all cases (9 out of 10), it’s essential to dry peppers thoroughly before cooking, especially when frying, to prevent dangerous splatters. Here’s my approach:

• Gently wipe the peppers clean with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt, dust, or other impurities from the surface. Set them aside and let them air dry completely before cooking with them. 

• When toasting and hydrating peppers, avoid getting them wet before toasting. Instead, toast first, then rinse and hydrate.

How To Store Dried Peppers

Now that you’ve learned to select high-quality Mexican Dried Peppers, let’s discuss how to store them to preserve their flavor and freshness. 

Store Mexican Dried Peppers in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight. Remove as much air as possible from the container to maintain their flexibility. Here are some container options I recommend for storing them:

• Air tight-sealed container – These types of containers are commonly found in most households and work well for keeping dried peppers fresh by keeping air, and moisture out.

• Ziplock bags – Convenient and effective way to store dried peppers. Make sure the bag is well-enclosed to prevent moisture and air from getting in.

• A vacuum-sealed system – It’s a great investment for storing dried peppers. By removing the air from the container or bag, you can effectively extend the shelf life of the peppers. 

Finally, don’t forget to label and date the container you’re using to store your dried peppers. This simple step will make a big difference in ensuring easy identification and rotation of your stored peppers.

How Long Do Dried Peppers Last?

When stored properly, dried peppers can retain their flavor and aroma for up to 6 months. Regularly inspect your stored dried peppers to ensure they remain dry, pliable, and free of mold or insects before using them in your recipes.

Signs Chiles Have Spoiled

• Mold growth, with fuzz
• Dull, faded color
• Bad odor
• Hard, brittle texture 
• Bugs, or insects 

Recipes with Dried Peppers

• Birria
• Pozole
• Chile Colorado
• Enchiladas
• Tacos de Canasta
• Green Salsa Taquera
• Tacos Al Vapor
• Bistec Ranchero

Amazon Storefront

Explore my amazon storefront, where you’ll find all the products I use and love for my recipes! From kitchen essentials to cooking staples. Check it out and discover the tools that help me create delicious meals every day.

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

FAQs : Your Questions Answered

Recent Recipes