Are Canned Chipotle Peppers Hotter Than Their Fresh Counterparts?

Are canned chipotle peppers really hotter than their fresh counterparts? Well, to start, chipotle peppers are simply dried jalapeño peppers. The reason for their distinct red color is that the peppers are left to ripen on their vines for a longer period, where they shift from their signature vibrant green hues to fiery red. During this time, they take on notes of smokiness, bitterness, and sweetness, a complex combination that makes this one of Bobby Flay's favorite peppers. After this, the peppers are smoked and dried. That's all there is to it. Canned chipotle peppers are the very same dried jalapeño peppers, only packed and rehydrated in adobo sauce. While the ingredients in adobo can vary, it usually contains ingredients like sweet tomatoes, vinegar, and spices. 

Because plain chipotle peppers are simply dried and packaged, they're hotter than their canned counterparts. The water is removed, the flavors intensify, and every bite packs a punch. The sweet sauce canned chipotles come in balance out the heat of the peppers, making for more well-rounded, versatile bites compared to the plain dried pepper. Still, because the ingredients in adobo used for canned chipotles vary, check the ingredients on your can. If there are plenty of added spices like black pepper or cayenne, it might just stack up to the heat levels of dried.

Both of these ingredients lend deep, smoky flavors, but their differences in texture and heat make them suited for different dishes. Canned chipotle peppers are super versatile, which is why you need them in your pantry. They can be chopped up, blended, or even added whole to a slew of dishes. They're a great addition to a topping or dip, infusing an otherwise lackluster sauce with heat and flavor. Try them in a spicy salsa or a dressing for tacos. These also make a great addition to meat marinades, bringing further smokiness and depth to grilled proteins like steak or chicken wings. They also taste great when blended and mixed into tomato-based soups and stews, like a spicy slow cooker beef chili. You can even add them to savory drinks like a classic bloody mary. 

Because of the infusion of peppers and adobo, canned chipotle peppers can stand on their own. Fresh chipotles, on the other hand, usually can not. This ingredient packs in a ton of heat, so it should be balanced out with complementary spices like cumin, cinnamon, or garlic before it touches a dish. This makes fresh chipotles a great ingredient to grind and mix with other spices for a spice blend for tacos or a meat marinade. Alternatively, you could also rehydrate these peppers and add them to sauces and soups alike, just like their canned friends. The list doesn't stop here, and the choice is up to you.