The hidden face of jalapeños: they become chipotles once smoked and dried

Although many people think that jalapeños and chipotles are different chili peppers, they are actually the same chili pepper at different stages of preparation. When you buy fresh jalapeños at the local market, you usually get them in their green , unripe state. These crunchy chiles offer a mild, herbaceous flavor that’s perfect for fresh salsas, salads, and those famous stuffed jalapeños you enjoy at parties. Pickled varieties are also commonly found in jars, adding a tangy dimension to many dishes.

If you let these peppers ripen on the vine, they will turn into red jalapeños with a noticeably sweeter taste. It is these red jalapeños that become chipotles through a traditional smoking and drying process that takes several days. During this processing, about 10 pounds of fresh jalapeños produce only one pound of chipotles, which is why they are often more expensive than their fresh counterparts. This smoking process is similar to how Guajillo chili is often used to enhance flavors in traditional Mexican cuisine.

You’ll notice that chipotles are very different from fresh jalapeños. They are wrinkled, dark red to brown in color, and possess an intense smoky flavor that has become a mainstay of Mexican cuisine. Although both chili peppers are between 2,500 and 8,000 Scoville units, you might find that chipotles are more pungent because their heat and flavor are concentrated by the drying process.

You can find chipotles in a variety of forms such as dried whole chili peppers, ground powder, or canned in adobo sauce. They’re especially great for adding depth to marinades, BBQ sauces, and traditional Mexican dishes where you want that distinctive smoky heat.

Fresh jalapeños, on the other hand, maintain their position as a versatile ingredient that you can stuff, slice, or dice in countless dishes. Both varieties have deep roots in Mexican and southwestern U.S. culinary traditions, though they serve different culinary purposes.

You’ll find fresh jalapeños brightening up your tacos and giving crunch to your nachos, while chipotles add that complex, smoky character to your favorite braised meats and robust sauces. Whether you’re working with fresh jalapeños or their chipotle smoked equivalents, you’re tapping into centuries of culinary tradition and a world of flavor possibilities.