Pueblo Chiles - All About Them

What are Pueblo Chiles?

Pueblo chiles refers to the variety of chili pepper cultivated exclusively in the Pueblo, Colorado region, which can encompass certain types, such as poblano, Anaheim, Fresno, and others.

However, the most popular and common type of Pueblo chile is an heirloom variety of the Mirasol chile, notable in how it grows pointing upward, hence the name, which translates from Spanish to "Looking at the Sun".

Oftentimes, when people talk about the "Pueblo Chile", they are talking about this Mirasol variety.

Pueblo chiles are known for their amazing flavor and medium-level heat, though you'll find heat ranging from mild to slightly hot.

The peppers are usually harvested green, but you'll easily find red peppers.

History of Pueblo Chiles

Their history goes back to the early 1900s, as settlers moved to the area and began to grown them, which eventually became a staple crop.

There are some similarities to Hatch chiles, which are grown in the Hatch region of New Mexico. A bit of a rivalry has developed between the two regions.

How Hot are Pueblo Chiles?

Pueblo chiles are considered medium-level heat peppers, though the heat range in heat from mild to fairly hot, depending on the type and growing year conditions.

Some can be about as hot as a typical jalapeno pepper, though you'll find hotter.

Because there are different types of chili peppers that can be categorized as Pueblo Chile Peppers, there heat levels can vary from roughly 5,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) to around 20,000 SHU.

Learn more about the Scoville Scale Here.

When is Pueblo Chile Season?

Pueblo chiles are typically harvested in September each year, though the season can be extended a couple weeks on either side, depending on the weather.

Cooking with Pueblo Chiles

Pueblo chiles are used in a variety of ways for their rich flavor, and they are quite diverse. The peppers have thick, meaty flesh, making them idea for roasting.

You'll find them in salsas, soups, stews, sauces, stuffed, and so much more.

Try some of these recipes with your Pueblo chilies:

• Classic Chile Relleno
• Chile Relleno Casserole
• Pork Chili
• Roasted Chile-Beer Mustard
• One Pan Chile-Cheese Dip
• Hatch Chile Salsa

Got any questions? Shoot me an email anytime!