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Los Chiles: The Mexican Chilli Taxonomy

Mexico is the origin of all cultivated chillies — Capsicum species were domesticated in Mexico and spread globally through the Columbian Exchange. The Mexican chilli taxonomy is the most sophisticated in the world, with hundreds of named varieties distinguished by heat level, flavour profile, and state (fresh versus dried — the same chilli having different names when fresh and dried). Understanding the taxonomy is foundational to Mexican cooking.

Overview

The essential Mexican chilli vocabulary — fresh and dried, with their specific flavour profiles.

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MEXICAN CULINARY TRADITION — DEEP EXTRACTION

Mexico is the origin of all cultivated chillies — Capsicum species were domesticated in Mexico and spread globally through the Columbian Exchange. The Mexican chilli taxonomy is the most sophisticated in the world, with hundreds of named varieties distinguished by heat level, flavour profile, and state (fresh versus dried — the same chilli having different names when fresh and dried). Understanding the taxonomy is foundational to Mexican cooking. Cuisine Browse all Mexico is the origin of all cultivated chillies — Capsicum species were domesticated in Mexico and spread globally through the Columbian Exchange. The Mexican chilli taxonomy is the most sophisticated in the world, with hundreds of named varieties distinguished by heat level, flavour profile, and state (fresh versus dried — the same chilli having different names when fresh and dried). Understanding the taxonomy is foundational to Mexican cooking. techniques →
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