Dried Chilaca Chiles

Dried chilaca chiles are a variety of chili pepper, native to Mexico. They are a dried, dark brown to black pepper with a mild to medium heat and a smoky, earthy flavor. The peppers are typically dried after harvesting, which intensifies their flavor and extends their shelf life.

Dried chilaca chiles are used to add a smoky, rich flavor and mild heat to dishes. They are often rehydrated and pureed for use in sauces, moles, stews, and marinades. They are frequently found in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.

Dried chilaca chiles are considered a food ingredient and are not subject to FDA additive regulations. They are a source of capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, which may have some metabolic effects. No specific regulatory bodies like JECFA or EFSA have set limits for dried chilaca chiles as they are a whole food ingredient.