Poblano chiles are one of the most complexly flavored mild to medium heat chiles. The Poblano pepper is a mild chile with a hotness measured in the Scoville scale at 1,000 to 2,000 heat units. At their peak ripeness, their elongated, heart shaped, curved and contorted pod is glossy, deep green and thick.
The pepper contains a cotton-textured membrane laden with small white seeds. When cut, the pepper’s aromas reveal a preview of its flavors: spicy, earthy, rich and bright.
Cooking the pepper brings out more flavor profiles, offering depth and undertones both smoky and savory. Aged and dried forms of Pasillas become significantly warmer and develop more depth in flavor.
USES:
They can be stuffed with rich creamy cheese sauces, black beans, potatoes, seafood, eggs and pork and often fried, they can also be eaten with the simple addition of olive oil and sea salt.
Poblanos pair well with other pepper flavors such as guajillo and chipotle, herbs such as cilantro, epazote and oregano, earthy flavors such as mushrooms, and cheeses such as feta, gorgonzola and pecorino.
Cooked Poblanos can be preserved by freezing them in an air tight container, extending their shelf-life by approximately six months.