Chipotle Peppers

Varieties

Smoked Whole Chilies Chile ahumado pictured at the top of this page, (also referred to as "tipico" and "chile meco" - is greyish tan in color with a very rich smoky flavor.  It is said to resemble a "cigar butt" in shape. This "authentic" preferred Chipotle.

Morita, means "little blackberry" in Spanish. The chili is dark reddish purple. This is the variety most often found in the United States.  While it is quite flavorful it is not smoked as long as the ahumado and therefore not of the same high quality and cheaper to produce.  Many of the varieties sold as "tipico" in the U.S. are actually the inferior "morita". It's important to note that although the Morita is considered "inferior" compared to the much less common ahumado, or tipico, it is still a delicious and useful product.

Uses and Product Types

Typically the Chipotle is used to flavor soups, salsas, stews, sauces, and even an occasional dessert. See our recipe selection for many examples of ways to use the pepper. 

Heat Scale 
Most of the natural 'heat' of the jalapeno is retained in the drying process. Typically it is about 5,000 to 10,000 Scoville Units. This is considered a "medium" heat in comparison to other chilies. 

Uses For Chipotles

Chipotles are available dried whole, powdered, canned in "adobo sauce" or pickled. See the where to buy section for purchasing information. 

Chipotle Powder 
A few spice companies offer a chipotle powder. This is simply the dried whole chili, ground up into a fine powder. Use as you would any chili powder for a spicy, smoky flavor. 

Chipotle en Adobo Sauce 
Normally packed in cans with a sauce made of spices, vinegar, tomato sauce and sometimes other chilies. You can use the chilies, the sauce, or both in recipes. You can purchase them online at Amazon.com: Goya Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce


Chipotle Chili Salt 
The salt is a combination chipotle chili powder and table salt. Use on meats or vegetables for a light smoky flavor. 

Chipotle Chili Paste 
Chilies are dehydrated and blended into a paste. Use the chili paste for a meat rub or to flavor dressings or sauces. 

Smoking Your Own Chiles

It is possible to smoke your own chilies using your home smoker. Frequently the quality is not quite as good as the commercial variety. If you are an accomplished "home smoker" and you'd like to give it a try, here is a link to instructions. GourmetSleuth, Home Smoked Chipotle Chiles.