Anaheim Chilli Powder

Anaheim Chilli Powder is a traditional American chilli, prized for its rich, earthy flavour, gentle sweetness and mild, warming heat. Originally developed from New Mexican chilli varieties, Anaheim peppers became widely recognised in Southern California and remain an important ingredient in Mexican, New Mexican and Southwestern American cooking.

The Anaheim chilli takes its name from the city of Anaheim in California, where chilli grower Emilio Ortega introduced seeds from New Mexico during the late 19th century. The peppers adapted well to the local growing conditions and gradually became known by the name of their new home.

Anaheim belongs to the Capsicum annuum family and is closely related to the traditional New Mexican chilli varieties developed through generations of cultivation and selective breeding. The peppers are harvested green for many fresh culinary uses, while fully ripened red chillies are dried and ground to produce the familiar red Anaheim chilli powder, sometimes known as Chile Colorado.

Flavour and Heat

Anaheim Chilli Powder has a beautifully rounded flavour, combining earthy richness, gentle natural sweetness and subtle dried fruit notes. The fully ripened red peppers develop a deeper, more mellow character than their green counterparts, producing a versatile chilli powder that adds flavour and colour without overwhelming a dish.

With an estimated heat of approximately 1,000–5,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), Anaheim is a relatively mild chilli, ideal for those who enjoy the flavour of chilli peppers without intense heat.

Cooking with Anaheim Chilli Powder

Anaheim Chilli Powder is especially suited to traditional enchilada sauces, tamales, chilli con carne, tacos, burritos, soups, stews and slow-cooked meats.

Its naturally sweet, earthy character works wonderfully with beef, chicken, pork, beans and roasted vegetables. It also makes an excellent base for homemade chilli sauces, Mexican-style seasoning blends, marinades and BBQ rubs.

The finely ground powder can be added directly during cooking, bringing a rich red colour and pleasantly mellow chilli flavour to everyday dishes.

Grown in USA

Heat Level: Level 1 – approximately 1,000–5,000 SHU.

Flavour: Rich, earthy and gently sweet with subtle dried fruit notes and mild, warming chilli heat.

Variety Origin: USA – New Mexico heritage, developed commercially in Anaheim, California.

Species: Capsicum annuum.

Appearance: Finely ground red to reddish-brown chilli powder.

Pack Sizes: 25g or 100g.