Authentic Mexican food is renowned for its flavorful dishes, enriched with assorted herbs and spices. What truly sets this distinct cuisine apart is its use of various peppers to achieve a combination of flavor and heat. Here are a few you commonly find in true Mexican cuisine.

5 Common Peppers Used in Mexican Food

1. Jalapeno (2,500-10,000 Scoville Heat Index)

Jalapeno is probably the most commonly used in Mexican dishes. They average around 2 to 3.5 inches long and are typically harvested while still green, although they turn deep, crimson red if allowed to fully ripen. It has a rich, almost sweet flavor, and can be fairly hot if the seeds are not removed. 

2. Serrano (5,000-25,000 Scoville Heat Index)

Serranos are commonly used in salsa and various sauces. They look like a smaller version of a jalapeno, also harvested while green, and they tend to be a bit hotter. One of the more notable sauces they are commonly used to make is pico de gallo. 

3. Poblano (1,000-2,000 Scoville Heat Index)

While considered one of the mildest chiles, the poblano’s flavor and heat have a wide range. They are commonly used to make mole sauces, dried to create chile ancho, or stuffed and grilled. If left to fully ripen, they turn a dark red color and usually gain more flavor and significantly more heat than green ones. 

4. Habanero (100,000–350,000 Scoville Heat Index)

The hottest chile used in Mexican food, the habanero is usually allowed to fully mature before harvesting it. The color will range from bright orange to brownish pink. They are mainly used to produce very hot, bottled sauces. 

5. Chile de Arbol (15,000-30,000 Scoville Heat Index)

Chile de Arbol peppers, or bird’s beak chile peppers, are a staple for making sauces. They are commonly used in a ground or powdered form and add quite a bit of heat to any dish. Powdered Chile de Arbol can be a good substitution for Cayenne pepper in a pinch.

If you enjoy authentic Mexican food, you won’t be disappointed by Don Rigo. They have two convenient locations in Cincinnati and Amelia, OH, a friendly staff, and delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine at an affordable price. They use only the freshest ingredients and guarantee a happy dining experience in a family-friendly atmosphere. Call (513) 718-0035 or visit their website to view their full menu.