# Pasilla

Also known as Chilaca Pepper, Chile Negro, Chile Pasilla, Cuernillo, Dried Chilaca, Mexican Negro, Pasilla Bajio, Pasilla Chile, Pasilla Negro, Pasilla Pepper, Prieto.
Species: Capsicum annuum.

Pasilla is a Capsicum annuum cultivar from Guanajuato / Central Mexico, Mexico. Capsi’s sourced range is 1,899 SHU (Lab-verified; typical 1,899). Flavor is earthy, sweet, raisin, smoky, licorice. Used for mole sauces (especially mole negro), salsas and table sauces, adobo sauces, soups and stews, enchilada sauces. Heat is a range, not a single marketing number.
About 1/13 the typical heat of a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU).

## Heat sources

- 1,899 SHU · Lab-verified
  L. Orellana-Escobedo, L.E. Garcia-Amezquita, G.I. Olivas, J.J. Ornelas-Paz, D.R. Sepulveda (2013) CyTA - Journal of Food · HPLC
  DOI: 10.1080/19476337.2012.716082
  https://doi.org/10.1080/19476337.2012.716082

- 3,000–6,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  (2022) Olam Food Ingredients · HPLC
  https://shop.ofi.com/media/wysiwyg/416034_Organic_Pasilla_Pepper_Spec_12_7_22.pdf

- 1,000–2,500 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Tyler Farms
  https://www.tyler-farms.com/pasilla-bajio-pepper-seeds/

- 1,000–2,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Ali's Organics & Garden Supply
  https://www.alisorganics.com/products/pasilla-bajio-chile-chilaca-pepper-seeds

- 250–3,999 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Mike Hultquist (2020) Chili Pepper Madness
  https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-types/sweet-mild-chili-peppers/pasilla-chili-peppers/

## Heritage

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

## Page sources

- [Pasilla guide with SHU, flavor, uses](https://pepperscale.com/pasilla-pepper/)
- [Botanical and culinary overview](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasilla)
- [Pasilla details, heat, culinary uses](https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-types/sweet-mild-chili-peppers/pasilla-chili-peppers/)
- [Appearance, origin, uses, nutrition notes](https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Dried_Chilaca_Chile_Peppers_821.php)
- [Growing guide and characteristics](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/pepper/growing-pasilla-peppers.htm)
- [USDA nutrition data for dried pasilla peppers](https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168579/nutrients)
- [Seed catalog with cultivation specs](https://www.botanicalinterests.com/products/pasilla-bajio-chile-pepper-seeds)

## FAQ
### How hot is Pasilla?

Capsi’s sourced range is 1,899 SHU (Lab-verified; typical 1,899). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat

### What does Pasilla taste like?

Rich and complex with deep earthy sweetness reminiscent of raisins and prunes, layered with subtle smokiness, licorice, dark berry, and faint cocoa notes. The mild-to-medium heat is approachable, allowing the nuanced flavor to remain prominent even after rehydration and cooking.

### How do I grow Pasilla?

Pasilla: about 80 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.

### What can I substitute for Pasilla?

Ancho (sweeter, wider), Guajillo (brighter, slightly hotter), Mulato (darker, tobacco notes), Pasilla powder

Page: https://web.thecapsi.app/pepper/pasilla
Catalog: https://web.thecapsi.app/data