Poblano peppers are a mild chili pepper used in Mexican and Southwestern cooking. They can be purchased fresh, dried, or canned and are often used in stuffed pepper dishes. They can also be grown at home with proper care.
A poblano pepper is a cultivar of chili pepper native to the Mexican state of Puebla. This pepper is a common feature in Mexican and Southwestern cooking. Many grocery stores carry poblanos if they feature different pepper varieties, and they can also be ordered in dried form from companies that specialize in traditional Mexican foods. There are several ways poblano pepper can be used in cooking and the use of this pepper is not limited to Mexican foods.
These peppers have a mild flavor and are generally used when they are dark green. As they ripen, they will turn red, eventually developing a red so dark it looks almost black. The skin of the poblano pepper is also unusually thick, with many cooks peeling it before using the peppers in recipes. A classic use of poblano pepper is in stuffed pepper dishes, as it is large enough to work well as a stuffed pepper and tough enough to withstand stuffing and cooking.
When poblano peppers are dried, they are known as ancho peppers. Ancho chiles are dark black, heavily wrinkled and heart-shaped. They have a more intense flavor and are sometimes specifically requested in various Mexican dishes. Dried poblano peppers are available in many Mexican grocery stores, and larger supermarkets with a selection of common Mexican ingredients often carry the dried chiles as well.
In addition to being available fresh and dried, poblano peppers can also be purchased canned. Canned poblano peppers are usually peeled so they’re ready to use and can be canned whole or in chunks, so it’s important to check the label on the can if you need whole peppers. As long as the can is sealed, the peppers will stay for a long time at room temperature. After the can is opened, the peppers will need to be refrigerated and used quickly.
It is possible to grow poblano pepper plants at home. They can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10-12 or indoors in a greenhouse or warm spot in the home. Poblano peppers like lots of light and don’t appreciate being flooded. Good practice is to water the peppers in the morning if they appear dry, taking care to avoid splashing of leaves, flowers or fruit. When the peppers ripen, they can be picked and used; the seeds can be stored to grow more peppers the following year.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
