Chile de Árbol

Chile de Árbol is a slender, finger-shaped pod — typically 5–8 cm long — that matures from light green to vivid red and dries to a striking scarlet with thin, papery walls. Its flavor is bold and smoky with a bright, sharp heat that makes it a cornerstone of Mexican cooking, particularly in dried form for salsas, oils, and red chile sauces. The name translates as 'tree chili,' reflecting the plant's upright, tree-like growth habit that can reach 5 feet in a single season.

Days to maturity

80–90 days

Plant height

90–150 cm (3–5 ft)

Best use

Dried salsas, chili oils, spice rubs

Species

Capsicum annuum

Origin

Mexico (Jalisco / Chihuahua)