The red gold of Mexico
Chiltepin or also known as 'red gold' is a red chili, highly characterized by how spicy it can be. The chiltepin chili is native to Mexico and is one of the oldest chiles cultivated by the indigenous people of the Americas. It is believed to have been cultivated and eaten in Mesoamerica for thousands of years and has spread throughout Latin America through human migration.
These are about the size of peppercorns, chiltepines are first green before turning bright red as they ripen in the fall. Once harvested, they are usually sun-dried before being packaged.
How spicy can chiltepin be?
The chiltepin is one of the hottest chilies known. In terms of heat scale, the chiltepin is generally rated between 100,000 and 200,000 Scoville units, making it significantly hotter than jalapeno peppers, which have an average rating of 3,000 to 8,000 Scoville units.
The level of heat of chiltepin can be influenced by several factors, such as climate, soil, and growing conditions. For example, chili peppers grown in a hot, dry climate will taste hotter than those grown in a cool, humid climate.
How is chiltepin consumed?
In Mexico, the chiltepin plays an important role in the cuisines of Sonora and Sinaloa. In Sinaloa, the chiltepín chile is used in the famous macha sauce, a traditional sauce made with dried chiles, garlic, seeds, and oil. It is also used in seafood cooking, such as shrimp, to add a spicy touch.
In Sonora, the chiltepin chili is used in many traditional dishes, such as machaca, a dried meat stew with chili and spices, and carne asada with nopales, which is a roasted meat dish with nopales (cactus) and chili.
Since they have a flavor that identifies them everywhere, they are used to accompany different stews, seafood such as ceviches and aguachiles, grilled meats, sauces, machaca, cheeses, or even pasta. In addition to being popular in the kitchen, the chiltepin pepper is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, from headaches to stomach aches.
Benefits of chiltepin pepper
Some of the benefits of chiltepin include:
Source of Antioxidants: Chiltepin peppers contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C and carotenoids, which may help protect the body against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Chiltepin chili has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for people with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
Pain-reducing potential: Some research suggests that compounds in chiltepin peppers, such as capsaicin, may have pain-relieving properties that can help reduce pain in various parts of the body.
Improves digestion: Chiltepin chili can stimulate the production of gastric juices in the stomach, which can help improve digestion and relieve symptoms of digestive problems such as indigestion and abdominal pain.
Weight control: Some studies suggest that consuming chili peppers, including the chiltepin chili, may increase thermogenesis (the amount of heat the body produces) and help reduce appetite, which may be helpful in managing weight loss. weight.
Where to buy chiltepin?
You can find chiltepin pepper in our online store, La Privera also provides international shipping, but we kindly ask to contact us before placing an order. [email protected]
