[CH] Favourite Chiles

Shantihhh@aol.com
Thu, 26 Apr 2001 15:41:31 EDT

<< Questions of heat aside, which chiles do all of you consider the best 
flavored? >>

I think it depends on what I am cooking!  Certain Chile flavors are better 
with certain other flavors.  Take Thai food you must use Thai Birds or Thai 
Dragons IMHO.  So many restaurants here in Little Thailand/California use 
Jalapenos as they are much cheaper.  The taste is so off!

Manzanas, Habanaros, Cayennes, and wonderful Serranos are definitely 
favorites.  I love ripe red Jalapenos and Smoked Jalapenos/Chipotles are at 
the top of my list for sure. Smoked Habanaros are terrific as well.  I also 
enjoy the Thai Sirichi (thank you Margaret L.), Angkor Sunrise and those 
"funny cayenne type chiles" from India :-)  Those I even like green in some 
Dals and curries.

Bolivian Rainbow is pretty, Qin nice for Chinese stir fries, but probably 
related to a dozen others.

Each year we grow at least 40 or so different chiles and we have our little 
Chile tastings in the kitchen with sliced freshly picked Chiles.  Such 
fun-love that endorphin rush!  LOL

Chiles are like tomatoes-so many varieties and flavors- I grow several new 
ones each year, taste and some become favorites and earn a space next year in 
the garden.  This brings up a point as well.  Some varieties of Chiles pair 
with certain varieties of tomatoes for salsas better than others.  I love 
combining contrasting colors of tomatoes with various Chiles.  Take and chop 
a Granny Smith Tomato with red ripe Serranos and add the lime, cilantro, and 
garlic----now there is an awesome salsa!

Mary-Anne, Moderator
TomatoFanatics-subscribe@YahooGroups.com
HeirloomGardening-subscribe@YahooGroups.com
San Francisco Bay Area
25 miles East of SF
USDA Zone 9b
Sunset Zone 14/15

"Who plants the seed beneath the sod, and waits to see, believes in God."