Chili Powder

Chili Powder

Make no mistake – Chile powder and chili powder are definitely not one in the same. Chile powder with an ‘e’ is a pure, pulverized form of whichever dried chile pepper is indicated, and usually contains no additional flavors. It comes in as many varieties as there are chiles themselves:

• Aji Amarillo Chile Powder
• Ancho Chile Powder
• Chipotle Chile Powder
• De Arbol Chile Powder
• Ghost Chile Powder
• Guajillo Chile Powder
• Habanero Chile Powder
• Jalapeno Chile Powder
• New Mexico Chile Powder – mild green or regular red
• Pasilla Negro Chile Powder

All chile peppers originate from the Capsicum Annuum plant, but fluctuate along the heat index. From mild to super spicy, each Chile pepper offers its own unique flavor. Some are smokier, whereas some are sweeter. A popular spice when cooking southwestern and Mexican, chile powder provides a special burst of flavor to meat rubs, fish and sauces.

On the other hand, plain old ‘chili powder’, without a particluar variety being specified and usualli with an ‘i’, is a blend of several chiles and other spices including cayenne, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. It is most commonly used as a seasoning in southwestern chili and stew, and it may not be interchangeable with specific ground chile powders.

Regardless of variety, you can’t go wrong when sprinkling chile powder on your favorite foods. The health benefits are abundant thanks to a chemical called capsaicin. All chiles contain capsaicin, which helps:

• Aid digestion
• Stop migraines
• Fight fungal infections including the flu and head colds
• Promote a healthy heart
• Relieve joint pain
• Ease psoriasis breakouts