Guajillo Pepper Powder

Guajillo pepper powder is made from dried guajillo chilies, a variety of *Capsicum annuum* native to Mexico. The peppers are typically sun-dried and then ground into a fine powder. This process preserves their flavor and makes them easy to incorporate into various dishes.

Guajillo pepper powder is used to add a mild, smoky, and slightly fruity flavor to foods. It is a key ingredient in many Mexican and Southwestern US cuisines, often found in marinades, rubs, sauces, stews, and chili powders. Manufacturers use it primarily as a flavoring agent.

Guajillo pepper powder is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a source of vitamins and antioxidants, like other chili peppers. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated chili peppers and their extracts, but specific evaluations for guajillo pepper powder may vary. Research on capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, suggests potential metabolic benefits, but more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans at typical dietary intakes.