Chile de árbol

Chile de árbol is a traditional Capsicum annuum pepper originating from Mexico, with strong historical ties to the states of Jalisco and Oaxaca. The name translates to “tree chilli”, referring to the woody stems that allow fruits to stand upright on the plant.

Plants produce slender, elongated pods measuring approximately 5 to 7.5 centimetres long and 1.5 to 2 centimetres wide. Fruits mature from green to bright red and retain their colour well when dried, making them well suited for dry use.

Chile de árbol delivers a sharp, direct heat with minimal sweetness, registering around 22,500 Scoville Heat Units. It has been cultivated for centuries and is deeply embedded in Mexican cuisine. The pepper is also known by names such as bird's beak chilli and rat's tail chilli, derived from its narrow, pointed shape.