guajillo pepper

Guajillo Pepper

Guajillo peppers, with their deep red color and smooth skin, are a staple in Mexican cuisine. Known for their mild to medium heat (around 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville heat units), they offer a rich, fruity flavor with subtle hints of berries and green tea. These dried chiles are essential for making authentic enchilada sauces, adobo marinades, and flavorful salsas. If you're looking for dried Mexican chili peppers with a complex taste and moderate spice level, guajillo peppers are an excellent choice.

Common Uses

  • Guajillo peppers are essential for making authentic enchilada sauce. The peppers are rehydrated, blended with spices, and simmered to create a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for coating tortillas.- Use guajillo peppers to create a vibrant and complex adobo marinade for meats like chicken, pork, or beef. The peppers are blended with garlic, vinegar, and other spices to tenderize and flavor the meat before grilling or roasting.- Guajillo peppers can be toasted, seeded, and ground into a powder to add a mild, fruity heat to chili, stews, and other savory dishes. This chili powder adds depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.- Add rehydrated and pureed guajillo peppers to salsas for a deep red color and a complex flavor profile. They provide a gentle warmth and fruity notes that complement tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.- Guajillo peppers are often used in mole sauces, contributing to the sauce's complex flavor and rich color. They are typically combined with other chiles, spices, nuts, and chocolate to create this iconic Mexican sauce.- These peppers can be infused into oils to add a mild heat and fruity flavor. Use the infused oil for drizzling over tacos, vegetables, or adding to soups.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

282.9kcal (14.14%)

Protein

13.6g (27.2%)

Carbs

54.4g (19.78%)

Sugars

13.6g (27.2%)

Healthy Fat

9.5g

Unhealthy Fat

2.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • Rich in Vitamins: Guajillo peppers are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B vitamins, supporting overall health.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Contains antioxidants that help protect the body against free radical damage, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Boosts Metabolism: Capsaicin in guajillo peppers may help increase metabolism and promote weight management.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Compounds in guajillo peppers possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
  • Supports Digestive Health: Can stimulate digestive enzymes, which may aid in healthy digestion.

Storage Tips

Store dried guajillo peppers in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or spice cabinet. Properly stored, they can maintain their flavor and quality for up to a year. To maximize shelf life, avoid exposure to direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. For ground guajillo pepper, consider storing it in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve its potency.

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