Are you looking for the perfect pepper to add to all of your favorite dishes that are in need of some heat? If you answered yes to that question, then the Anaheim pepper might be just what you’re in need of. Read on to discover a little more about this popular Californian pepper below!
Officially known as Capsicum Annuum, the Anaheim pepper is a super versatile variant of pepper that originally hails from Anaheim, California – hence its name!
If you’re not overly familiar with this type of pepper, the Anaheim pepper is generally considered to be a very mild and mellow pepper that has a slight touch of heat (it only has a Scoville heat unit of between 500-2500SHU) ideal for enhancing a variety of different dishes.
More often than not, Anaheim pepper pods will usually grow to a maximum length of between 6-10 inches in length and can be cooked when it is either red or green – depending on your taste preference.
To follow, even though the Anaheim pepper can be eaten when it is both red or green, it is worth noting that the standard variety of Anaheim pepper will usually be given enough time to ripen into a dark green color, and this will usually take around 75 days to achieve.
Although as we have already mentioned above, it is also common for some people to allow their peppers enough time to ripen to a deep, rich red, which will usually need to be given a period of around 85 days before they will be ready to be picked and eaten.
Are Anaheim Peppers Hot?
Just like we have briefly mentioned above, despite the fact that Anaheim peppers hail from one of the hottest states in America, they actually have a very mellow and mild flavor profile – which means they’re a great option for those who do not like overly hot peppers, or even for adding a subtly heat to your dishes without being too overpowering or taking away from the flavors of the other foods.
Nevertheless, even though they have a very mellow flavor profile with just a hint of sweetness, Anaheim peppers do offer a slight kick and have a Scoville scale rating of 500-2500 SHU, which means that they will have a similar heat level to a Cubanelle pepper or very mild jalapeno pepper.
So, in other words, while Anaheim peppers aren’t going to leave you reaching for some water immediately after consuming, you can still expect them to have a subtle yet fiery kick that you’ll definitely notice!
Where Does The Anaheim Pepper Originate From?
If you hadn’t already guessed where Anaheim peppers come from, then their name is a dead giveaway! As we have briefly touched upon above, Anaheim peppers are named after the city that it hails from, which is Anaheim.
Originally, the peppers themselves were originally sown and grown in New Mexico, although they became very popular once they were brought to Anaheim, California in the year 1894. Ever since then, Anaheim peppers have become more and more popular – even to this day!
As a side note, due to its roots in New Mexico, it should also be noted that Anaheim peppers are generally considered to be a very mellow and mild variant of the more fiery pepper variant New Mexico Number Nine.
Additionally, Anaheim peppers are still grown in New Mexico to this very day, although they typically tend to go by their alternative name of New Mexico Chilies, or even sometimes as the Hatch Chili Pepper, although they are only usually called this when they are grown in the New Mexico Hatch area of Mexico.
How Do You Cook With Anaheim Peppers?
If you’re interested in incorporating some Anaheim peppers into your dishes, then we’re sure that you’ll be pleased to hear that Anaheim peppers are extremely versatile and popular and can be enjoyed in a variety of different dishes.
This is all thanks to their mellow yet subtly furious flavor profile that has the ability to complement a variety of different ingredients and foods – so don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for this pepper time and time again.
It’s so tasty that even the pickiest of water is bound to love its subtly sweet and hot taste!
If you’re currently in need of a little inspiration, then it’s worth keeping in mind that Anaheim peppers are particularly ideal for being canned and roasted thanks to their thick, crunchy textures.
On the other hand, if roasting and canning isn’t really something that you’re interested in trying, then thanks to their big sizes, Anaheim peppers are also great choices for stuffing with a filling of your choice.
Due to their mild flavor, many people like to stuff their Anaheim peppers with cheese and meat for a tasty yet healthy dish that will require very little preparation.
Regardless of that, Anaheim peppers work really well in all kinds of dishes as besides providing a touch of heat, you’re not going to find that these peppers overpower the other foods that you include in your recipes – so they’re a great all-rounder.
Not only that, but Anaheim peppers are also delicious for turning into fresh salsa, and can even be chopped up and thrown into a salad! The options really are endless with Anaheim peppers!
Are There Any Anaheim Pepper Alternatives?
If you don’t find that Anaheim peppers are a good choice for you or you would simply like an alternative to hand in the instance that you run out of your Anaheim pepper supply – then rest assured that there are a variety of different alternatives that you can enjoy in place of your usual Anaheim go-to peppers.
For starters, if you’d like peppers that will provide a similar taste and texture with just a little more heat, then we recommend swapping out your Anaheim peppers for Cubanelle or Banana peppers.
On the other hand, if you’re planning on whipping up some deliciously stuffed peppers and you don’t have any Anaheim peppers in your kitchen cupboard, then we recommend opting for poblano peppers as they have a deliciously thick texture that’s just perfect for holding a filling or two of your choice.
For general cooking, a tried and true substitute to your Anaheim peppers is bell peppers – which go perfect with just about anything.
