Chile Threads

Chile Threads, also known as chili threads, chili strings, Korean red pepper threads or sil- or shil-gochu, are brick red strings of the yidu chile pepper. They’re a dramatic way to garnish a meal. Our Chile Threads have a grassy, somewhat smoky-sweet flavor and a mild heat, ringing in at 2,500-5,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The heat is just a kiss on a dish, though, since these threads are generally used for their stunning visual appeal. They are approximately a half millimeter wide and about three inches long and are often mistaken for saffron threads.

Korean food, and other aspects of Korean culture like K-pop music and movies like the 2020 Oscar-winning film for Best Picture, Parasite, are gaining ever-increasing awareness in American culture. Korean barbecue is often cited as an inroad for Americans looking to develop an appreciation of Korean food, because grilled meat served with sweet and spicy sauce and a crunchy cabbage garnish is understood internationally. The popularity of Korean restaurant food increased 34% between 2012 and 2019. While 2020 slowed the restaurant industry overall, analysts believe that Korean restaurants in the US will recover at a faster pace than other industry averages, owing to the continued interest in this cuisine.

Tips From Our Kitchen

The threads can be used "as is", toasted, or rehydrated. Gently toasting them in a dry skillet enhances the flavor. You'll only need to toast them over medium heat for about one minute. They can also be soaked for about 10-15 minutes in warm water. It’s a great fusion element and can be added to an enormous number of foods. Use as a salad topper, garnish carrot soup, add to stir-fries. Top tacos with chile threads, particularly if they are tofu tacos. Put over savory scallion or mung bean pancakes. They can also be used as a garnish on kimchi.

Our Chile Threads are cultivated in China.

This product is certified kosher.

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