Guajillo

Also known as Guajillo Chile · Chile Guajillo · Dried Mirasol

The Guajillo is one of Mexico’s most beloved dried chiles — the dried form of the mirasol pepper. It delivers mild-to-medium heat with a sweet, fruity, and earthy flavor that is essential in countless traditional Mexican sauces and moles.

Growing

~85 days to maturity

Fruit size

8–15 cm

Flavor & Use

Sweet and fruity with notes of cranberry, tea, and berries, plus a pleasant earthy depth. When toasted it develops a mild smoky character that enhances sauces without overpowering them.

fruitysweetearthytangyberry-likeslightly smoky

Culinary

molessalsasmarinadessoupsstewspozolecarne adobadaspice rubsdried flakes/powderenchilada sauces

About

Guajillo peppers are long, slender, and slightly curved (3–6 inches / 8–15 cm) with smooth, shiny skin. When fresh they are bright red; when dried they become dark reddish-brown and slightly wrinkled. The walls are relatively thin but flavorful. Heat is mild-to-medium (2,500–5,000 SHU).

Backstory

The Guajillo is the dried version of the fresh mirasol pepper. It has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries and is one of the three most commonly used dried chiles (along with ancho and pasilla) in traditional moles and sauces. Its balanced sweetness and mild heat make it incredibly versatile.

Appearance

ShapeLong, slender, tapered/curved
ColorBright red (fresh) · Dark reddish-brown (dried)
Size8–15 cm
WallThin
SkinSmooth, glossy

Growing

SunFull
WaterModerate
ClimateSubtropical
Days to maturity85 days
Plant height60–90 cm
Soil pH6–7
Germination10–21 days
Spacing60 cm
HardinessZones 9-11

Heritage

We don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.

Sources