Great for Homemade Spice Rubs
Real Smoke, Real Concentration
It takes about 10 pounds of fresh jalapeños to produce just 1 pound of chipotle, real concentrated flavor, not a shortcut.
A Word with Aztec Roots
"Chipotle" comes from the Nahuatl word for "smoked chili," a preservation tradition centuries older than refrigeration.
Medium Heat, Maximum Versatility
At 2,500-8,000 Scoville Heat Units, similar to a fresh jalapeño, it's bold enough to notice but approachable enough for everyday cooking.
Surprisingly Great with Chocolate
Beyond rubs and salsas, chipotle's smoky sweetness pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts, truffles, and brownies.
Technical Specifications
| Origin | Mexico |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Capsicum annuum |
| Ingredients | Whole Ground Chipotle Chile Peppers |
| Heat Level | Approximately 2,500-8,000 Scoville Heat Units (Medium; Similar to Fresh Jalapeño) |
| Processing | Ripened Jalapeños, Wood-Smoked (Traditionally Pecan) and Dried, Then Ground |
| Yield Ratio | Approximately 10 lbs of Fresh Jalapeños to Produce 1 lb of Chipotle |
| Certifications | Kosher (EarthKosher), GMP |
| Flavor Profile | Smoky, Sweet, Earthy, Zesty |
| Uses | Soups, Stews, Salsa, Marinades, Rubs, Spice Mixes, Chili, Tacos, Chicken, Mole, Chocolate Desserts |
| Pairing | Chocolate, Lime, Sea Salt, Mango, Poultry |
| Storage | Tightly Sealed, Cool, Dry Place |
| Packaging | Food-Grade Pouch or Bag; Box with Liner for Bulk Orders |
| Shelf Life | 18-24 Months |
Pure Ground Chipotle Chile Powder
The Aztec Roots of Chipotle
How to Use Chipotle Chile Powder
Chipotle vs. Other Smoky Spices
Pure ground, this chile powder can be used as is for meat rubs, salsas, grilled vegetables, marinades, and more. Try using it over grilled zucchini with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh lime zest, and your favorite cut of meat for a quick and simple meal.
Fun fact about chipotle chile: it pairs exceptionally well with chocolate. Try it with truffles, mousses, brownies, and even a spiced chocolate gelato.
How Chipotle Is Actually Made
Frequently Asked Questions
- Chipotle chile powder is made from ripe jalapeño peppers that have been wood-smoked, dried, and ground. Unlike some other smoky spices, chipotle is genuinely smoked over wood, traditionally pecan, giving it a deep, assertive smokiness.
- Chipotle chile powder has a smoky yet sweet flavor. It's zesty and spicy, adding a slight kick to a dish without overpowering it.
- Chipotle chile powder is derived from jalapeño peppers, so it carries a similar heat level, approximately 2,500-8,000 Scoville Heat Units, since smoking doesn't add capsaicin, the compound responsible for heat. It's classified as medium heat, not too intense but certainly adds some spice.
- Chipotle chile powder is currently available for purchase at Slofoodgroup.
- No, there's a difference. Chili powder is a seasoned blend made from various spices, mildly spicy, earthy, and pungent. Chipotle chile powder, however, is made solely from wood-smoked, dried jalapeño peppers, giving it more heat and a smoky, sweet flavor.
- Chili powder can be used in place of chipotle chile powder, though it will lack the same smoky flavor. Smoked paprika is a better substitute for smokiness, but will have less heat.
- Smoking jalapeños to make chipotle dates back to the Aztecs, who used the technique because jalapeños' thick skin made them too difficult to air-dry before spoiling. The Nahuatl word chīlpoctli, meaning "smoked chili," is where the word "chipotle" comes from.