Guajillo Chile Flakes (gwa-HEE-yo), Capsicum annuum, are medium-heat flakes that measure 2,500-5,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). They have a bold, round fragrance that smells like pepper and stone fruits, and a tart flavor that evokes both cranberries and dark cherries. The top notes are delicate and herbaceous while the low notes are tannic and resinous with a touch of smoke. 

In a continually expanding examination of chiles and terroir, Alejandro Tello Cristerna, the governor of the central Mexican state of Zacatecas, announced in March 2019 that he planned to file a request with the Mexican Institute of Intellectual Property (IMPI) to have Zacatecas officially designated as the origin point for guajillo chiles. There is significant biological history to support this, as guajillo chiles are considered a landrace crop in Zacatecas. Zacatecas is the largest producer of guajillo chiles in Mexico, growing approximately 90% of Mexico’s crop. Tello Cristerna says that obtaining a designation of origin will increase the value of Zacatecan chiles and make them more competitive against chiles grown in other major chile-growing regions like Peru or China.

Tips From Our Kitchen

Guajillo Chile Flakes are perhaps most well-known in the US as a staple ingredient in a classic Mexican mole Poblano, but there’s so much more that can be done with them. Add guajillo flakes to braising liquid for Cuban favorite ropa vieja, or make caldo de res, a Mexican-style oxtail soup. These flakes will bring rich flavor to fava beans stewed with mint. Add to cilantro, lime juice, and oil for a basting oil and dressing for grilled chicken. Blend with tamarind for a sweet-and-sour barbecue sauce. Stir into chopped tomatoes and onion for a fresh salsa, or simmer with garlic and cilantro and blend for smooth salsa. They pair beautifully with chocolate so stir into chocolate bark, grind and add to hot chocolate, or make a chocolate-chili sauce to drizzle over luxurious, silky flan.

One teaspoon Guajillo Chile Flakes roughly equals one whole guajillo chile. We have whole Guajillo Chiles and Guajillo Chile Powder available for sale.

Our Guajillo Chile Flakes are cultivated in the USA.

This product is certified kosher.

Hungry for more information?

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