Dried Pasilla Chile Peppers

Dried pasilla chile peppers are the dried form of the chilaca pepper, a cultivar of the species *Capsicum annuum*. Originating from Mexico, these peppers are known for their dark, wrinkled appearance and mild to medium heat. They are typically dried after ripening, which intensifies their smoky, fruity flavor.

Dried pasilla peppers are used as a flavoring agent, adding a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet taste to foods. They are a key ingredient in many Mexican and Southwestern dishes, often rehydrated and used in moles, adobos, sauces, and stews. They can also be ground into powders for spice blends or used whole for infusing flavor.

Dried pasilla chile peppers are considered a food ingredient and are not subject to FDA additive regulations. They are a source of vitamins and antioxidants. While generally recognized as safe for consumption, specific health claims are not established by regulatory bodies. There are no widely recognized controversies or specific evaluations by bodies like JECFA or EFSA regarding their use as a food ingredient.