Dried Chile Peppers. If you are really into chiles, you desire not only the delightful heat but also the unique flavors of the different chiles all around the world. Chiles can be used to add color, flavor, visual appeal, and of course heat to many cuisines. They are especially popular in the United States, the Asian Islands, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Mexico, South America, and in Southeast Asia.

Dried chile peppers have many different flavors, ranging from earthy, floral, fruity, hot, smoky, and sweet. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and there are more than 3,000 known varieties around the world. There are five species within the Capsicum (C.) genus, but the two that produce the most popular chiles are Capsicum annum which tend to be larger and have more complex flavors and Capsicum frutescens which tend to be smaller, with simpler flavors and more heat. The heat of all chiles is found inside of their innards and seeds, so it can be lessened by their removal if desired.