Tuxtla

The chile Tuxtla is a small pequin chile from Southern Mexico.  The chile gets its name from city, Tuxtla Gutierrez located in Chiapas, Mexico.

The chile is small but shaped like a small arrowhead being wider at the top and coming to a narrow point.  Each chile measures approximately 3/4 inch long and 1/4 to 1/2 inches across.  This is quite a bit larger than the chiltepin chile.

On a relative heat scale of 1 -10 this chile is about a 7.  While this chile is mainly used in salsas it can also be added to soups or stews.  It is pretty hot so start with a couple of chiles and add more to taste.

Substitute For Tuxtla Chiles

If you don't  have or can't find Tuxtla chiles you can substitute any of these chiles:

• Chiltepin chiles - expensive and a little hotter but usually not really hard to find.
• Pequin chiles - pretty easy to find in Mexican markets or online.  About an 8.5 on a scale of 1-10 for heat.
• de Arbol Chiles - these are probably the easiest to find.  The heat is about 7.5 on a scale of 1-10.

If you want to switch up the flavor try an alternative chile such as the small morita chipotle chile.  The heat is moderate but it will add a nice smoky flavor.