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cup chilli powder

Herbs & SpicesYear-round. Chilli peppers are dried and ground for storage and shelf stability, making the finished product consistently available regardless of growing season.

Rich in capsaicin, vitamin C, and antioxidants including carotenoids and flavonoids. Contains mineral content including iron, potassium, and manganese.

About

Chilli powder is a ground spice derived from dried chilli peppers (Capsicum spp.), most commonly produced from medium-heat varieties such as Cayenne, Ancho, or a blend of regional cultivars. The ingredient originated in Mesoamerica and became globally distributed following the Columbian Exchange. The flavor profile ranges from mild to intensely hot depending on the pepper varieties used, with undertones of earthiness, smokiness, or fruitiness. Commercial chilli powder typically consists of ground dried peppers, though some blends may include additional components such as cumin, garlic, oregano, or salt. Heat levels are measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with pure capsaicin—the alkaloid compound responsible for pungency—concentrated in the seed membranes and pod walls.

Culinary Uses

Chilli powder functions as a fundamental seasoning in cuisines worldwide, particularly in Mexican, Indian, Thai, Korean, and Southwestern American cooking. It adds depth and heat to curries, chilis, salsas, marinades, and spice rubs for meats. In Indian cooking, it is essential to many curry preparations, while in Mexican cuisine it features prominently in enchilada sauces and moles. The spice can be used as a finishing element to brighten dishes or incorporated early in cooking to meld flavors. When toasting whole dried chillies before grinding, volatilizing essential oils enhances complexity.

Forms & Preparations

Ground powder — Fine, dried chilli pepper ground into powder form, the standard commercial preparation ready for immediate use.
Blended chilli powder — Commercial mixtures combining chilli powder with cumin, garlic, oregano, salt, and other spices for convenience in specific cuisines (e.g., Mexican chilli powder, curry powder base).
Whole dried chillies — Unground dried peppers that can be toasted and ground fresh or rehydrated and made into pastes or sauces for superior flavor.
Smoked chilli powder — Chilli powder produced from peppers dried over smoke (such as chipotle), imparting a distinctive smoky flavor profile.
Hot chilli powder (pure capsicum) — Spice formulations emphasizing heat with minimal other ingredients, typically from Cayenne or Thai chillies at high SHU levels.
Mild chilli powder — Blends emphasizing flavor over heat, often made from Ancho or New Mexico chillies, preferred for dishes where color and aroma matter more than pungency.