Chilli pepper

The fruit pod of the capsicum plant, dried and then converted into flakes or powder. Both are popular in Mexican and Indian cooking. Chilli peppers can be either red or green, though some turn brown or even black when ripened and dried. Popular varieties are Cascabel, Guajillo, Guero, Poblana and Serrano. The powder is used in curries, chutneys, sauces, dressings and snacks. It can be hot, so use with discretion.