Chimayó pepper
SpeciesCapsicum annuum
Cultivar groupNew Mexico chile
Cultivar'Chimayó'
OriginUnited States
Heat Medium
Scoville scale4,000–6,000[1] SHU

The Chimayó (or Chimayo) pepper is a New Mexico chile pepper landrace of the species Capsicum annuum.[2][3] It is named after the town of Chimayó, New Mexico, where roughly 200 hectares (500 acres) of Chimayó peppers are harvested annually. It is considered one of the two best chiles in the state, the others being those grown in Hatch.[4] The pepper is so prized that powdered Chimayó pepper can cost as much as $45 per pound. Chimayó chiles have a complex flavor described as sweet and smoky, and are extremely popular in New Mexican cuisine for making posole and carne adovada.[5]

The arid climate of the town of Chimayó greatly influences the appearance of the Chimayó pepper, giving it a twisted shape when dried. Its color can be compared to that of the Jalapeño, transitioning from green to red as the fruit matures.[2] Chimayó peppers are of medium pungency, and have a heat level ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 on the Scoville scale.[6] Chimayó pepper plants typically grow to a height of roughly 45 to 60 centimetres (18 to 24 in), while the fruits reach 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) in length[7][3] and 3–4 cm (1–1+3⁄4 in) wide.[2]

Chimayó peppers are commonly dried by being hung on ristras; once dried, they can be ground into chile powder or chile flakes.[6][5] The flavor is described as sweet, earthy, and smoky, without being too hot,[8][1] and the fruit is also fleshier and drier.[4] The pepper can also be used fresh for salsas, stir-frys, roasted, or stuffed.[2]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Hieronymus, Stan (2016). Brewing Local: American-Grown Beer. Brewers Publications. p. 258. ISBN 9781938469374. OCLC 1023380994. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 4 DeWitt, Dave; Lamson, Janie (4 February 2016). The Field Guide to Peppers. Timber Press. pp. 132, 137. ISBN 9781604697483. OCLC 972175411. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  3. 1 2 DeWitt, Dave; Bosland, Paul W. (16 September 2009). The Complete Chile Pepper Book: A Gardener's Guide to Choosing, Growing, Preserving, and Cooking. Timber Press. pp. 52–54. ISBN 9780881929201. OCLC 876586461. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  4. 1 2 Arellano, Gustavo (April 2013). Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America. New York, NY: Scribner. p. 119. ISBN 9781439148624. OCLC 893131821. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  5. 1 2 "Chimayó Chile Pepper" (html). Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  6. 1 2 "Chimayo Pepper: A New Mexican Local Luxury". PepperScale. 10 December 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  7. ↑ "Hot Pepper 'Chimayo'". Dave's Garden. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  8. ↑ Abraham, Lisa (7 October 2014). "Hot-sauce expert shares tricks for making flavorful pepper condiment" (html). Columbus Dispatch. 62 E. Broad St. Columbus OH 43215: GateHouse Media, LLC. Retrieved 20 March 2019.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: location (link)


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