Chile de Árbol (Tree Chili) in dried form is essential Mexican ingredient. These thin, cayenne-like chilis rating 15,000-30,000 SHU are typically used dried and toasted before grinding. The toasting process intensifies smoky, nutty flavors. They’re essential in salsa de árbol (tree chili salsa) and mole de olla. The bright red color is prized in Mexican cooking. Unlike some dried chilis that soften and blend smooth, árbol chilis are often left slightly chunky for texture. They maintain heat well when dried.

Intensely smoky, nutty, sharp

Toasted and ground for salsas, mole de olla