Fresh Pasilla Peppers

Pasilla peppers are the dried form of the chilaca pepper, a dark, wrinkled chili pepper native to Mexico. They are typically harvested when ripe and then dried, which intensifies their flavor and deepens their color. The drying process gives them a mild, smoky, and slightly fruity taste.

Pasilla peppers are primarily used to add a rich, complex flavor to a wide variety of dishes. They are a key ingredient in many Mexican moles, sauces, and marinades, and are also used in chili powders and spice blends. Their mild heat and smoky notes make them versatile for both savory and sometimes even sweet applications.

Pasilla peppers are a natural food ingredient and are not subject to FDA additive regulations. They are a source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, particularly capsaicinoids, which give chili peppers their heat and have been studied for various health effects. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated various chili pepper compounds, but specific evaluations for pasilla peppers as a whole ingredient are not typically highlighted. Evidence regarding specific health benefits or risks at typical dietary intake levels is generally based on the consumption of chili peppers as part of a balanced diet.