Chile Piquín Powder

Chile piquín powder is made by grinding tiny, intensely hot red piquín chiles (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum). The powder is brick-red with a fine, slightly seedy texture and delivers a sharp, clean heat in the 40,000–60,000+ Scoville range, along with bright notes of dried fruit, citrus, and a subtle nuttiness. Compared with larger dried chiles, piquín’s flavor is concentrated and lively, so a little goes a long way.

In Mexican and border cuisines it’s used to finish salsas, soups, beans, and egg dishes, and to dust fruit, nuts, and snack mixes. Blooming the powder briefly in oil unlocks aroma for rubs and sautés, while adding it late preserves brightness for garnishes and cocktail rims. Store tightly sealed away from light and heat to maintain color and potency.