If you are a fan of Asian cuisine and want to replicate as best as you can the authentic flavors of the delicious foods of this region, you need to know about Chile Japones. Also known as the Hontaka, Santaka, or Oriental style chili peppers, the Japones pepper is a popular ingredient in many Asian, Latin, and Caribbean dishes. Often referred to as ‘fire bringers’, they are used in Schezuan and Hunan cuisine to add a kick of heat without overpowering the existing flavors, making for a complex and tasteful combination. Compare them to the popular jalapeno pepper, which averages around 5,000 SHU and you’ll find these peppers are 3 to 6 times hotter, which is a nice level of heat. They are also a great, fiery addition to spicy chutneys, salsas, sauces, and infused oils. Speaking of infusion, these chilis are also popularly used to add a spicy kick to beverages and cocktails and added to bread. You can also grind up dried Japones chiles to be used for dry rubs and roasting purposes or simply add them to meals in place of powdered red chili or red chili flakes. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container in a cool dry place.
