De Arbol Chiles

De Arbol Chiles (pronounced “day AR-bowl”), Capsicum annuum, is also known as chile de Arbol, de Arbol peppers, pico de pajaro, which means "bird beak", or cola de rata, "rat tail". They are known as Chiles de Arbol in their fresh state. They are grown in Aguascalientes, Jalisco, Nayarit, and Zacatecas; these states are in central and western Mexico, starting right in the middle of the country and extending west to the Pacific border. 

“De Arbol” means “of the trees”, and probably refers to the thick, woody stem that connects the chile to the plant. This pepper grows 2-3 inches in length and is about ½ inch wide at the shoulder, tapering to a point at the end. This is a chile that retains its ripe red color as it dries; it is a vibrant and attractive red and is often woven into decorative wreaths called ristras.

There are approximately 50 de Arbol Chiles per ounce.

1 whole Ancho Chile = ¼ teaspoon de Arbol Chile Powder [link].

Flavor Profile

High-quality de Arbol chiles smell a bit like hay and have a light, grassy flavor with a hint of nuttiness and searing, acidic heat.

Heat Level

We consider these to be on the lower end of the scale of hot chiles since they measure between 15,000-30,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units). 

How to Use

De Arbol peppers are traditionally used in Mexican cuisine, but their clean heat makes them suitable for use in other global cuisines. They are often used in Thai, Chinese, or Indian food.

This little chile is excellent for any recipe that requires a kick; it’s hot enough to spice things up with gusto but won’t set off smoke alarms when you eat. While this chile shows up regularly in salsas, it can also be found in infusions, like hot honey, vinegar, or Chinese chili oil. 

Try it in Spanish-style meatballs. Use de Arbol Chiles in marinades, soups, salsas, and hot sauces.

Substitutions

You can use Japones, Tien Tsin, and Pequin chiles as substitutes for any recipe calling for De Arbol chiles. 

Japones Chiles, 15,000-30,000 SHU, are roughly the same size and heat level as the de Arbol Chile, but their flavor is almost non-existent. 

Tien Tsin Chiles can measure a bit higher in their heat range, spanning 10,000-60,000 SHU, so test these chiles before using them. They also have a faint flavor, though they can taste a little musty. 

Pequin Chiles share the nutty flavor quality that de Arbol Chiles have but are twice as hot, measuring 40,000-58,000 SHU. Substitute with caution.

Country of Origin

Our de Arbol Chiles can come from Mexico, China, or India, depending on the time of year.