Guajillo Chili Powder – Mild Heat and Complex Flavor from Mexico
Guajillo Chili is one of the most popular chili varieties in Mexican cuisine. This ground chili powder has a warm orange-red color and a medium heat level (approximately 5 on a scale of 1–10). Its rich aroma and layered taste make it ideal for a wide range of savory dishes.
Flavor Profile of Guajillo Chili Powder
Guajillo chili powder is known for its balanced flavor: sweet, earthy, and slightly smoky. It combines subtle notes of dried berries, green tea, pine, and mild tannins. This unique taste makes it especially suitable for enhancing sauces, soups, stews, and spice blends.
Uses in the Kitchen
In Mexican cuisine, Guajillo chili is commonly used to season traditional salsas, mole sauces, and braised dishes. The ground form is easy to work with and can be used directly in marinades, rubs, and spice mixes. It also pairs well with other chili varieties such as Ancho Chili to create deeper, more complex flavors.
Botanical Information
The Guajillo chili belongs to the species Capsicum annuum, a member of the nightshade family. The powder is made from dried and ground Mirasol chili pods, which grow upright on the plant. These chilies can reach lengths of up to 15 cm and widths of 2–3 cm. Once fully ripe, they are deep red in color and are harvested in the fall. After sun-drying, the pods are finely ground into a flavorful powder.
Origin
Guajillo chilies are native to Mexico. Chili plants were introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus after his journey to the Americas. Today, they are an essential part of Latin American cooking traditions and continue to inspire culinary creations worldwide.
Storage Tips
Store chili powder in an airtight container, preferably a clean, dry glass jar with a screw-top lid. Keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place to preserve aroma and flavor over time. Always use clean, dry utensils to handle your spices.
Looking for More Chili Varieties?
Discover our full selection of ground chilies and whole pods. If you're interested in exploring different flavor profiles and heat levels, try these as well:
- Ancho Chili – Mild and fruity with notes of raisins.
- Habanero Chili – Very hot and aromatic, ideal for spicy dishes.
- Isot Biber – Dark, smoky, and slightly sweet, a specialty from Turkey.
Bring the taste of Mexico to your kitchen with our premium Guajillo Chili Powder – order now in our spice shop.
