Produce Briefs...
Italian Black Summer Truffles
Black summer truffles are more subtle than the winter variety. Shave truffle over cooked potatoes, toss with herbs and a shallot vinaigrette. Thinly shave truffle over scrambled eggs.
Mangosteen
The Purple mangosteen, botanical name Garcinia magostana, simply referred to as mangosteen, is an ultra-tropical slow growing evergreen tree that is cultivated for its edible fruit.
Seasons/Availability
Dried Ancho chilies are available year round.
Current Facts
In Mexico, the Ancho is marketed in three grades of quality. "Primero" is the highest grade, consisting of the thickest-fleshed and largest chiles. "Mediano" is the medium grade and "Ancho" is the basic grade.
Description/Taste
Anchos are the dried version of Poblano chiles. They vary in color from dark brick red to deep mahogany with a medium thick flesh. Mildly aromatic, flat, very wrinkled and appearing almost heart-shaped, the Ancho is the sweetest of the dried chiles. It gives a sweet plum-raisin-like flavor to dishes. Scoville units: 3-4 (1000-2000)
Nutritional Value
Anchos contain vitamin A, C, the B vitamins and significant amounts of iron, thiamine, niacin, magnesium and riboflavin. Chiles are cholesterol-free, saturated fat-free, low calorie, low sodium, and high in fiber.
Applications
Add to cooked sauces alone or with other dried chiles. Sprinkle chopped or sliced chiles on foods for piquancy and color. Enhance meat and poultry, vegetables, casseroles, dips, soups and stews, chili con carne, enchiladas or adobados. To prepare, fry or lightly roast in a nonstick skillet a few minutes. Cover with hot water; let stand 10 minutes or until soft. Drain; use as desired.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Ancho chiles figure in the origin of "mole poblano." According to legend, this dish was invented in the 16th century by Sor Andrea de la Asuncion, a Dominican nun at the Santa Rosa convent in the Mexican city of Puebla.
Geography/History
Depending on the region, this chile is known by several names. Growers mistakenly call both fresh and dried forms "Ancho." In California, it is often confused with the Pasilla chile. The dried Ancho, together with the Mulato and the true Pasilla, form the "holy trinity" of chilies used in traditional Mexican mole sauces. Named for its characteristic broad shoulders, "Ancho", pronounced AHN-choh, means wide in Spanish.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Andaz San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-814-2026 |
| JR Produce | San Diego CA | 858-270-3857 |
| Hotel La Jolla & CUSP Dining & Drinks | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| Claire's on Cedros | Solana Beach CA | 858-259-8597 |
| Bo Beau Kitchen & Bar | San Diego CA | 619-224-2884 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Solace & the Moonlight Lounge | Encinitas CA | 760-753-2433 |
| Barbarella | San Diego CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Marriott Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-3000 x6335 |
| Cucina Urbana | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Stingaree | San Diego CA | 619-544-0867 |
| Searsucker Bar | San Diego CA | 619-233-7327 |
| Paradise Point Resort Tropics | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| La Valencia Dry Storage | San Diego CA | 858-551-3750 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Newport Avenue Yacht Club | San Diego CA | |
| Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
| Eclipse Chocolat | San Diego CA | 619-578-2984 |
| San Diego Culinary Institute Inc. | La Mesa CA | 619-644-2100 |
| The Bristol Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-784-6835 |
| Baja Betty's | San Diego CA | 619-269-8510 |
| Nine - Ten | San Diego CA | 858-964-5400 |
| Davanti Enoteca | San Diego CA | 858-519-5060 |
| Roseville Cozinha | San Diego CA | 619-794-2192 |
| Quality Social | San Diego CA | 619-501-7675 |
| Barleymash | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 x304 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 800 843 4661 |
| Urban Solace | San Diego CA | 619-295-6464 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Dried Ancho Chile Peppers. One
is easiest, three is harder.
