Espelette botanical illustration

Espelette

Capsicum annuum

A protected-origin French Basque chile product associated with Espelette and its regulated dried-and-ground culinary form.

Medium 1,000–4,000 SHU
Flavor
Warm, moderately sweet.
Origin
French Basque Country, France
Best uses
Powder, eggs, soups, Basque cooking.
Days to maturity
75-100

How the heat plays out

Early estimate
LowModerateHighVery highExtremeFirst biteLater

Builds gradually, climbs to a low peak, and fades quickly, felt across the mouth. Warm, sweet-fruit

In the kitchen

Dried
Often dried or powdered.
Roasted
Good in soups and regional cooking.

Substitutes

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