The cascabel pepper is a Mexican chili pepper famous for its "rattle" and "bell" sounds when the dried pods are shaken, caused by loose seeds within. Learn more about them.
Scoville Heat Units: 1,000-3,000 SHU
Capsicum Annuum
Mexico is well known for its chili pepper selections, both fresh and dried varieties, which are incorporated into all manner of wonderful dishes. Chili peppers are a way of life in Mexico, providing flavor and sustenance, but also inspiration and art.
One such famous pepper from Mexico is the popular Cascabel Pepper. The name "cascabel" means "little bell" or "sleigh bell" or "rattle" in Spanish, because of the dried pods distinctive rattling sounds from the seeds within, which come lose from shaking them.
They are also known by other names, including "chile bola", which means "ball chili" in Spanish, the "rattle chile" for the distinctive rattling sounds of the dried pods, or guajones.
The Cascabel Pepper is grown in several areas of Mexico. Interestingly, the name "cascabel" applies to both the fresh and dried versions of the peppers, which is rare in Mexico, where most dried chiles have completely different names from their fresh counterparts.
What Does a Cascabel Pepper Look Like?
Cascabel chiles are small and round, 2-3 cm in diameter. The fresh pods ripen from green to red to deep reddish-brown in color. The fresh pods are plump and round, and rather small. The dried pods retain their overall shape for the most part.
What Does a Cascabel Pepper Taste Like?
The cascabel pepper is characterized by an eary, slightly smoky flavor with notes of nuttiness. With a mild to moderate heat level, the Cascabel is perfect for adding a touch of heat to soups, salsas, stews and sauces. They are mostly consumed dried, and often ground into chili flakes.
How Hot is a Cascabel Pepper?
The Cascabel pepper is a mildly hot chili pepper, ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 Scoville Heat Units on the Scoville Scale. Compared to a typical jalapeno pepper, the hottest of cascabel chilies is roughly equal in heat to your average jalapeno.
Where Can I Buy Cascabel Peppers?
You can find dried cascabels in Mexican grocers, or sometimes in the produce section of some grocery stores, though you may have to ask the store to order them for you. Or, you can resource them online. Buy Cascabel Peppers from Amazon (affiliate link, my friends!).
NOTE: This pepper is not to be confused with the Cascabella Pepper, which is a different type of pepper.
Recipes Using Cascabel Peppers
Learn More About Other Mexican Chili Peppers
- Guajillo Peppers
- Mulato Peppers
- Ancho Chile
- Pasilla Peppers
- Chilaca Peppers
- Poblano Peppers
- Jalapeno Pepper
- Chipotle Peppers
- Chile de Arbol
- A Guide to Mexican Peppers
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 9/7/21 to include new information. It was originally published on 9/22/13.
Donal Conway says
I did a fermentation with dried cascabels we grew. Added a dried habanero and let it rock for 2 weeks. Added a little vinegar and simmered it then bottled it. Not bad. I love this fermentation kick I’ve been on. Thanks Michael.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Great, Donal. Fermenting these would bring out some outstanding flavor. Love the added habanero. You are a master of flavor!
Jeremie says
Your description is pretty attractive, Mike! I'm not a good connoisseur of this chili pepper. And your evocation: "slightly smoky flavor with notes of nuttiness" made me want to taste it right away ..it's a shame it's too late to plant seeds this year! See ya next year, Cascabel!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Jeremie! Great flavor with these peppers. So much flavor from dried. I think you'll like these. Maybe try ordering some online. Very worth it.