Japones Peppers (pronounced ha-po-NAYS), Capsicum annum, are hot chiles that deliver 15,000-30,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This chiles are also called hontaka, santaka, and oriental chile peppers. 

Japones Peppers are about 2” long and ½” wide and are one of the most common dried red chiles. These chiles are very light, with approximately 35 chiles per ounce.

Japones do not have a complex flavor, which helps create balance with flavorful and widely used spices, like cilantro, garlic, and lemongrass.

Businesses that commonly purchase Japones Chiles are those who manufacture broths, soups, sauces, seafood, spice shops and seasoning companies. Restaurants that specialize in Mexican, middle eastern and American cuisine are also frequent buyers. 

You can also browse our complete selection of whole dried chiles.

Flavor Profile

The Japones Chile has a very clean, sharp, neutral taste; it is primarily used for heat.

Heat Level

We consider Japones Peppers a hot chile, measuring between 15,000 and 30,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units).

How to Use

You'll find these fiery chiles in chutneys, salsas, sauces, and stir-fries. The Japones pepper's high heat, little flavor, and slim form make them ideal for liquid infusions, like hot pepper oils and vodkas. They're frequently steeped in vegetable oils to release and enhance their flavor. 

Try them in place of the Tien-Tsin Chile for a milder version of  Cucumber Relish.  We especially like these in Hot Peanut Sauces, Thai Basil Curry dishes, and Vegetable Jalfrezi.  Innovative bakers use Japones peppers in bread and one customer reports crushing the peppers with salt to sprinkle on foods for an extra kick.