Habanero Chile Powder

The habanero chile (Capsicum chinense) is one of the most intensely hot, spicy chile peppers that you will come across. The species was misnamed in 1776 by a Dutch physician who was collecting plants throughout the Caribbean for Emperor Francis I. The species was incorrectly identified as "chinense", as he believed this chile had originated in China. The name stuck, and this "Chinense" hot pepper is not from China, but originated from the Caribbean and South America region.

Habanero chiles are one the smaller end of the chile size spectrum growing to only between 3/4" - 2 1/2" long. Unripe habanero chiles are green, and typically turn either orange or red when ripe. They can also be found in a range of colors including white, brown, yellow and pink.

The word habanero has long been used in the English language to represent the entire chinense species. This is also incorrect, as there have been dozens of various pod types identified within the species. It is not uncommon for some to call the Scotch bonnet a type of "habanero." That would also be wrong, as while the Scotch bonnet and habanero are both from the same Capsicum chinense species they have different pod types.

Be sure to watch out for cheap imitations that are actually a blend of habanero powder and "other spices". Our Habanero powder is pure 100% ground whole Habaneros (including the veins and seeds).

 

History

Chile heads love a good debate and there is one on where the habanero is originally from. Some believe that it is indigenous to the Amazon region of South America, while others believe that is was originally brought from Cuba to the Yucatan Peninsula. Those in the Cuban camp believe that it was in fact named after the Cuban city La Habana (which we in the US know as Havana). To add more fuel to the fire, several Mexican horticulturists also believe it was at one time imported as the habanero but it is also the only chile in the Yucatán region that does not have a Mayan name.

 

Where to Use

We love to use these in homemade salsas, bbq sauce and for some smoking hot chicken wings.

 

Flavor and Heat

Our Habanero Chile Powder is a perfect addition to the pantry for any cook who craves flavorful heat. Our Habanero powder comes from some of the hottest chile peppers and comes in at 200,000 - 300,000 Scoville Units.

 

Helpful Hints

Use this powder very sparingly the first few times you add to any recipe, as it is very easy to overheat a dish. One teaspoon of Habanero Powder is equal to one fresh Habanero chile pepper.

In addition to our pure Habanero powder we also carry whole Dried Habanero Chiles and Habanero Flakes and a full selection of dried chile peppers and chile powders.

If you're a big fan of Habanero heat then you'll love our Habanero Mango which is ideally suited perfect grilled chicken and our Habanero Hot Salt.

Some of our favorite recipes using Habaneros are Pineapple Habanero Salsa, Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Trinidad Curry Chicken.

 

Read More

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