Mexican cuisine is filled with a range of delicious tastes and smells, but the idea of peppers can make some people a little nervous. However, contrary to what you might think, not all peppers are packed with heat. Some peppers are filled with flavor but not spice. To help you better understand how to navigate the intricacies of Mexican menus, consider the following guide on different types of peppers.

5 Peppers You'll Find in Mexican Cuisine

1. Jalapeño Peppers

Jalapeños are among the most popular peppers used in Mexican cuisine. They're quite spicy, but if you remove the seeds, the flavor becomes more mild. Whole, their heat index is 2,500 to 10,000 Scoville units. Jalepeños are commonly found in dishes but can also be used as a garnish. They can be pickled, eaten raw, or baked into several types of food.

2. Poblano Peppers

Poblano peppers are much milder than jalapeños and other types of peppers found in Mexican cuisine. They have a heat index of 1,000 to 2,000 Scoville units. They can be stuffed, ground up and used in sauces, or dried. When the poblano pepper turns red, they become spicier.

3. Habanero Peppers

Habanero peppers are among the spiciest peppers, so it's important to take some precautions when handling (and eating) them. Their heat index is about 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville units. There are several different types of habanero peppers, including the orange habanero, peach habanero, hot paper later, Caribbean red, and more.

4. Anaheim Peppers

Anaheim peppers are a type of pepper commonly used to make salsas. However, they're also stuffed and used as the base of chile Rellenos. This type of pepper is amongst the mildest, with a heat index of about 500 to 2,500 Scoville units. They're also often canned and sold as green chiles.

5. Serrano Peppers

Serrano peppers are a smaller, spicier version of a jalapeño. They have the same appearance but begin to turn reddish-orange or yellow as they mature. You can eat them raw, but they're often roasted or used in pico de Gallo to give it a little kick. Their heat index is about 5,000 to 25,000 Scoville units.

When you want to try some of the best peppers found in Mexican cuisine, head over to CaliTacos Restaurant in Chandler, AZ. This authentic Mexican restaurant serves some of the finest street-style tacos in town, with a wide selection of mouthwatering options at unbeatable prices. They also carry a wide range of tasty drinks, from fresh horchata and Michelada to authentic Jarritos Mexican sodas. Call them today at (480) 550-6522 or visit them online to order dine-in or takeout.