Capsicum annum (Poblano)
Sunday, August 28, 2016
The poblano (Capsicum
annuum) is a mild chili pepper originating in the state of Puebla, Mexico.
Dried, it is called ancho or chile ancho, from the Mexican Spanish name ancho
("wide") or chile ancho ("wide chile"). Stuffed fresh and
roasted it is popular in chile rellenos poblanos.
While poblanos tend to have a mild flavor, occasionally and
unpredictably they can have significant heat. Different peppers from the same
plant have been reported to vary substantially in heat intensity. The ripened
red poblano is significantly hotter and more flavorful than the less ripe,
green poblano.
Wikipedia
In the last few years as age has begun its diminishing of my
taste buds I have increasingly been attracted to chiles (In English chili) and peppers, in particular the Sweet
Tooth Red Pepper which I find at the Richmond Farm on the left of the Freeway
at Steveston. My Rosemary does not care for peppers or chilis but my youngest
granddaughter Lauren is crazy about Sweet Tooths when I barbecue them.
I split them and put them into a plastic bag. I pour some
olive oil, some Kosher salt, a bit of balsamic vinegar and a couple of spoonfulls
of brown sugar. I mix it all up and then place the peppers on a very hot
barbecue. No matter how many I make Lauren and I finish them off.
A couple of weeks ago, to my complete amazement I spotted
these large and very shiny dark green peppers at my Kitsilano Safeway. I knew
instantly what they were even though the cashier did not know how to put them
into her register. She did not know the code (there was none) for Poblano
Chilis.
This chili pepper has a unique taste unlike any other. And Wikipedia is absolutely right in that among several picked from one plant a few can be hot.
I took ten to Lillooet when Rosemary and I visited Ale. I can report that they were a hit with some of her friends which she invited for dinner (which I cooked).
Today I bought ten more. In a few days I will test them with my connoisseur granddaughter Lauren.
I am amazed at the out of context act of spotting this chili at my Safeway. They come from California.