Los Chiles: The Mexican Chilli Taxonomy

One of 15 entries · MEXICAN CULINARY TRADITION — DEEP EXTRACTION

I · Origin

Mexico is the origin of all cultivated chillies — Capsicum species were domesticated in Mexico and spread globally through the Columbian Exchange. The Mexican chilli taxonomy is the most sophisticated in the world, with hundreds of named varieties distinguished by heat level, flavour profile, and state (fresh versus dried — the same chilli having different names when fresh and dried). Understanding the taxonomy is foundational to Mexican cooking.

II · Description

The essential Mexican chilli vocabulary — fresh and dried, with their specific flavour profiles.

I General II Preparation III Wet Heat IV Sauce Making V Grains And Dough VI Heat Application VII Chile Technique Salsas VIII Pastry Technique IX Seasonal X Flavour Building

Further training content for this entry is being completed.