|
Morita chilies are smoked, red-ripe jalapeno peppers, much like the chipotle pepper. The main difference is that Moritas are smoked for less time, which leaves them softer and retains their slightly fruity flavor. They are very richly flavored.
|
|
Cooking Ideas
The intense smoky, complex, rich flavor of the chili is used to enhance the taste of many dishes especially in the Mexican cuisine. It used to spice salsas, marinades, soups, stews, lentils and beans.
|
|
|
Health Benefits
- Relieves pain and inflammation
- Improves fat metabolism in the body and promotes weight loss
- Prevents blood clotting – reducing risk of heart attack, strokes and other cardiovascular ailments
- Antioxidants in the powder ward off cancer especially prostate cancer
|
|
|
Directions on how to Rehydrate
Stem and seed the chilies, then place them in a skillet, on a comal, or in a 250 degree oven and dry-roast them for three to four minutes. Shake them once or twice and be careful not to scorch them or else they will taste bitter. The chilies should then be added to water that has been heated to just below the boiling point - if it is boiling, the chilies will lose flavor. Use just enough water to cover the chilies and press them down with a lid. Allow them to sit for 20 minutes or until they are soft.
|
|
|
How to Store
Store dried chilies (and chile powder) in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. Although it is possible to store them for extended periods of time, it is better to use them within six months. If you do keep them longer, check through them occasionally and discard any that have spoiled.
|
|
|
Scoville Heat Unit
| Variety |
Scoville Units |
| Trinidad Scorpion "Butch T" |
1,463,700 |
S
U
P
E
R
H
O
T |
| Bhut Jolokia Pepper |
1,041,427 |
| Dorset Naga Pepper |
923,000 |
| Red Savina Pepper |
350,000 - 580,000 |
| Jamaican Hot Pepper |
100,000 - 200,000 |
| Rocoto Pepper |
50,000 - 100,000 |
| Pequin Pepper |
75.000 |
H
O
T |
| Super Chilli Pepper |
40,000 - 50,000 |
| Cayenne Pepper |
30,000 - 50,000 |
| de Arbol Pepper |
15,000 - 30,000 |
| Aji Pepper |
12,000 - 30,000 |
| Serrano pepper |
5,000 - 23,000 |
M
E
D
I
U
M |
| Hot Wax Pepper |
5,000 - 10,000 |
| Chipotle |
5,000 - 10,000 |
| Jalapeno Pepper |
2,500 - 8,000 |
| Guajilla Pepper |
2,500 - 5,000 |
| Pasilla Pepper |
1,000 - 2,000 |
M
I
L
D |
| Ancho Pepper |
1,000 - 2,000 |
| Anaheim Pepper |
500 - 2,500 |
| Pimento Pepper |
100 - 500 |
| Bell Pepper |
0 |
|
