A chipotle chili is a smoked, dried jalapeno and has been used primarily in Mexican and Mexican-inspired cuisines for the past 9,000 years. When jalapenos are deep red and have lost most of their moisture they are harvested to be smoked and stirred and made into chipotles, ending up dry like prunes. The heat of the jalapeno combines with the taste of smoke to produce an earthy spiciness and a unique, spicy, smoky taste. The chipotle chili’s heat is similar to that of Tabasco sauce.

Chipotles can be purchased in many forms, including powder, pods, chipotles en adobo (in a can), concentrated chipotle base and wet chipotle marinade. The pepper is a key ingredient in many recipes due to its mild, earthy spiciness. Chipotle powder can be added to chili, salsas, soups, stews, rubs and marinades, and it adds a smoky heat to chocolate.

 

Alert: While spices can have many beneficial properties for health, using them for medical purposes should be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional or specialist. Some spices may interact with medications or cause adverse reactions in certain individuals, and it is important to use them safely and appropriately. If you are considering using spices for a medical condition, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before doing so.