The 21 Most Popular Types Of Peppers And What They’re Used For

6. Cubanelle peppers

If you like the heat of Anaheim peppers but want a bit more sweetness, Cubanelle peppers are a great solution. These long, wrinkled chiles are sometimes referred to as Cuban peppers because of their origins in the Caribbean. You will most likely find these peppers used in Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Dominican dishes. They are often used as the base of sofrito, a paste made with tomatoes, peppers, and garlic that is an essential building block of soups and stews.

They typically stay at the bottom of the Scoville scale, with the spiciest peppers only reaching about 1,000 units. In terms of flavour and heat, they are most similar to Anaheim chiles or green bell peppers. Their mild, sweet flavour lends well to recipes where pepper is the star. Cubanelle peppers are an ideal chile to use for stuffed peppers. Just fill them with meat, rice, or any other preferred filling, then grill or bake them for a delicious yet simple weeknight meal.

7. Shishito peppers

Many common varieties of peppers originated in the Americas, but these tiny little peppers come from the other end of the world. The name comes from the Japanese word “shishi,” translating to “lion,” about the curved, wrinkled appearance of the pepper. These Japanese peppers are small in size and usually fairly mild, but around one in 10 of them pack a surprising punch of spice. But, with most of them hovering at around 50 on the Scoville scale and the occasional hot pepper at 200 Scoville units, shishito peppers are generally one of the mild options in the pepper aisle. You may not have cooked with these chiles before, but you may have seen them as a trendy appetizer at restaurants. Most commonly, they are blistered in a pan until they’re soft and slightly charred. With just a simple squeeze of lemon and some salt, these types of peppers make for a delightful snack any time of year.

8. Jalapeño peppers

 

When most people think of peppers, jalapeños are probably some of the first to come to mind. These medium-sized, green chiles are moderately spicy and incredibly versatile in almost any kind of cooking. Jalapeño peppers range from 2,500 to 8,000 on the Scoville scale, but most of that spice comes from the seeds and pale white ribs inside the pepper. So if you want to incorporate some bright flavour without too much spice, scrape out the inside of the pepper before using it. They’re an essential ingredient for fresh salsas like pico de gallo, but you don’t only have to eat them when they’re fresh. Jalapeños are commonly pickled and served on top of a sheet pan of nachos for some acidity and spice. Just like with most peppers, the flavour of the jalapeño is amplified when charred over a direct flame to develop a hint of smokiness.

9. Chipotle peppers

 

Although the name may be different, don’t be fooled! Chipotle peppers are actually ripe jalapeño peppers that have been smoked. Smoking them over an open flame imparts a deeper flavour than fresh jalapeños. But just like the fresh version, Chipotles pack a moderate amount of spice. Their signature smoky taste is a staple in Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine, and you can find them dried, powdered, or canned in adobo sauce.

If you want to incorporate some of their smokiness without adding too much heat, grab a can of chipotles in adobo and just add a bit of the pepper-infused sauce. A common application of chipotle peppers is in aiolis, and it couldn’t be easier to make at home. Just mix store-bought mayonnaise with some chipotle and voila! You have a delectable condiment that’s perfect for any sandwich. Next time you want to upgrade your enchilada recipe, throw in some chipotles for an added punch of flavor.

10. Fresno peppers

 

They may look similar to jalapeños, but Fresno types of peppers have a flavour all their own. They have a sweet, fruity taste and a medium spice level. They range anywhere from 2,500 to 10,000 Scoville units, so they can be a bit spicier than your average jalapeño. Another thing that distinguishes Fresnos from the more common jalapeño is their bright red hue. They’re typically only about two to three inches long, but these peppers can pack a serious punch. One of the best ways to enjoy a Fresno pepper is by thinly slicing it and serving it raw. You can remove the seeds and ribs to minimize the impact of the spice. Their sweet, fruity flavour is especially delicious in fresh salads and salsas. Another perfect pairing is with seafood, especially in dishes like ceviche and fish tacos. No matter how you serve it, a Fresno pepper is bound to add a delightful amount of spice to any dish.

11. Calabrian chili peppers

 

These tiny peppers hail from Calabria in southern Italy and have long been a staple in their cuisine. In the United States, it’s a lot harder to get your hands on fresh Calabrian chilli peppers, but there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of varieties of this fruity, spicy pepper that you can find at your average grocery store. The two most common ways Calabrian peppers are sold are in dried chilli flakes or as a jarred, fermented condiment.

This pepper is an essential ingredient in Bomba sauce, where they’re crushed and fermented into a bright and fruity relish. If you want to add some spice to pasta and pizzas and are sick of turning to your standard red pepper flakes, try Calabrian chilli peppers instead! A spoonful of jarred Calabrians can upgrade your favourite arrabbiata sauce or maybe become your favourite topping for a slice of pepperoni pizza.

12. Serrano peppers

These small peppers look deceptively similar to their cousin, the jalapeño. But don’t be fooled, serrano chiles pack some serious heat! They fall within 10,000 to 20,000 Scoville units, making them nearly five times hotter than your average jalapeño. To be safe, it’s advised that you wear gloves when handling these peppers to avoid contact with your skin (or worse, your eyes!).

Their flavor is earthy and vegetal, but their spice level takes center stage on your tongue. Serrano peppers are commonly used in Mexican cuisine to add heat to salsa, pico de gallo, and guacamole. In addition, you can also find serranos used in Thai dishes like curry and stir-frys. If you love all things spicy, try swapping out jalapeños in recipes for these thin, green peppers. According to MasterClass, they also taste amazing as a pickled condiment in tacos and sandwiches, but beware! A little goes a long way with these super spicy chilis.