Q: Hey Dave, I am looking for Sichuan Facing Heaven dried chiles. Is it possible they go by another name? None of the Asian markets in my area seem to have anything that looks like the Facing Heaven variety. Thanks, Karen A: Hello Karen:That variety is not available in the U.S. Substitute piquins.–Dave
Pasilla vs. Poblano
Q: Dear Dave,I work for a food manufacturer in So. California. One of my customers wants to buy some poblano peppers from us. When I offered him pasillas and said that the terms were used interchangeably within the industry, he said no thanks, they had to be poblanos. When I discussed this with my buyer he said that he receives …
The Hungaro Pepper
Q: Dear Mr. DeWitt:I’m looking for your book Peppers of the World: An Identification Guide and have not been able to find it via the Internet. I would like to purchase this book so that we may have references to peppers (descriptions, pictures, etc.) that our farm is currently producing. Also, my friend suggested that I contact you for a …
Chile Tepins, Chiltepins, or Petines?
Q: Dear Dave,I find it very difficult to find chile tepins in any store in the last couple of years. I have tried growing them with a little success, but the last ones were caught in an early freeze a year ago. Today, I found some peppers in Wal-Mart by that look like tepines but are called chili petines. I …
Chile Congo
Q: Hello! I visited Nicaragua in April and tasted the most excellent chile I’ve ever known. The locals call it "Chile Congo" (Spanish). It grows wild and is picked and made right there on the side of the road with a splash of lemon/lime. Ever heard of it? How is it made? Where can I buy it? Thanks, Eric A: Hello …