Capsicum annum (Poblano)
The poblano (Capsicum annuum) is a mild chili pepper originating in the state of Puebla, Mexico. Dried, it is called ancho or chile ancho, from the Mexican Spanish name ancho (“wide”) or chile ancho (“wide chile”). Stuffed fresh and roasted it is popular in chile rellenos poblanos.
While poblanos tend to have a mild flavor, occasionally and unpredictably they can have significant heat. Different peppers from the same plant have been reported to vary substantially in heat intensity. The ripened red poblano is significantly hotter and more flavorful than the less ripe, green poblano.
Wikipedia
In the last few years as age has begun its diminishing of my taste buds I have increasingly been attracted to chiles (In English chili) and peppers, in particular the Sweet Tooth Red Pepper which I find at the Richmond Farm on the left of the Freeway at Steveston, in Richmond, British Columbia. My Rosemary does not care for peppers or chilis but my youngest granddaughter Lauren is crazy about Sweet Tooths when I barbecue them.
I split them and put them into a plastic bag. I pour some olive oil, some Kosher salt, a bit of balsamic vinegar and a couple of spoonfulls of brown sugar. I mix it all up and then place the peppers on a very hot barbecue. No matter how many I make Lauren and I finish them off.
A couple of weeks ago, to my complete amazement I spotted these large and very shiny dark green peppers at my Kitsilano ( a Vancouver neighbourhood) Safeway. I knew instantly what they were even though the cashier did not know how to put them into her register. She did not know the code (there was none) for Poblano Chilis.
This chili pepper has a unique taste unlike any other. And Wikipedia is absolutely right in that among several picked from one plant a few can be hot.
I took ten to Lillooet, BC when Rosemary and I visited Ale last week. I can report that they were a hit with some of her friends which she invited for dinner (which I cooked).
Today I bought ten more. In a few days I will test them with my connoisseur granddaughter Lauren.
I am amazed at the out of context act of spotting this chili at my Safeway. They come from California.
Originally published at blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com.
