A chipotle is the aged, dried and smoked version of the fresh jalapeño. In Mexico, the dried pepper is given a different name than the fresh version. Thus, the fresh pepper is called a jalapeño and once dried & smoked chipotle. The same goes for the poblano, for example, once dried this pepper is called ancho.

Spiciness

The jalapeño peppers turn from green to red (or yellow), that process is called coloring through. To dry and smoke the jalapeño, they use dyed-through, ripe, red jalapeños. The longer the pepper stays on a plant, the more time it has to become sweeter, fruitier and spicier.

This is because of capsaicin, the substance that gives peppers their spiciness. As a pepper matures longer, its capsaicin content increases, making it hotter. This means that within the same species, red peppers are hotter than green ones. So a fully matured chipotle pepper, which is actually a smoked and dried red jalapeño, is spicier than an unripe green jalapeño. But it's still the same pepper so, yes the chipotle pepper is hotter but that's not the biggest difference.

Taste

The main difference between the jalapeño and the chipotle is their flavor. Maturing and smoking gives the chipotle a deep, smoky and sweet flavor that clearly distinguishes it from the fresh, green jalapeño.

The jalapeño is fresh, crunchy and has a mild, fresh bite. Thanks to its subtle flavor, it fits perfectly into all kinds of dishes without being overpowering. Instead, the chipotle has a distinct, spicy, smoky flavor with sweet notes. This pepper is ideal for sauces, savory dishes and barbecue dishes, but because of its intense flavor, it is wise to use it in moderation.

Appearance

In addition, they also look different. The jalapeño is green or red, fresh and has a smooth, shiny texture. The chipotle, on the other hand, is dark red to brown, dried and smoked, with a hard, wrinkled and pointed texture.

We carry two different chipotles: Chipotle - dried and smoked & Dried Chipotle Morita. The Morita chipotles have been smoked for less time, making them softer in flavor and retain their fruity taste more.