What is chipotle?
Chipotle (chip-ot-lay) is a vibrate red spice that makes everything taste like hipster. More technically, it is a smoke-dried jalapeño native to Mexico which can come either whole or in ground up form. In the Melbourne food scene, you’ll see it sprinkled over Mamasita’s Elotes Callejeros (Mexican style corn) with mayo, parmesan, sea salt and coriander, blended in with salt as a seasoning over Huxtaburger’s crinkle fries, mixed through mayo at Fonda and basically anywhere else foodies could possibly imagine it. It is so freaking delicious I don’t blame them!
Why is it good for me?
Chipotle contains vitamins and minerals such as capsaicin, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, dietary fiber, as well as vitamin A, K, C, B6, and potassium.
Capsaicin has been shown to significantly reduce the chances of cancer, particularly prostate, lung and pancreatic cancers. Further, it is shown to regulate insulin which may be beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes. It may also be helpful in managing weightloss as capsaicin stimulates fat oxidation, rather than storage which optimises energy management.
Chilli’s are also know to can be helpful for respiratory issues, maintaining immunity, digestion regulation, have anti inflammatory action – maybe those hipsters are on to something!
Where to get it from:
Although popular, I have found it difficult to find chipotle in Melbourne – although I can’t say I have been to every spice stop in Victoria, the only place I have been able to find it is Gewurzhaus, in the The Block Arcade on Collins Street in the CBD. This is not a bad thing though, because if you go there, you get to have lunch at Hopetoun Tea Rooms – yay lucky you! I understand they have other stores in Carlton and Toorak… but that would mean no high tea for you!
What to look for:
You can find chipotle in whole or ground form – if you go with the Gewurzhaus suggested above you are sure to get good quality. However it is a lot like paprika selection, there is bad, cheap paprika and there is beautiful, high end paprika. It does make a difference so always buy the best quality you can afford (find).
How to use:
Chipotle is very versatile and can be used in the same way that other chillies can. Sprinkle over fries, avocado toast or guacamole, use in chocolate or chocolate based desserts, add to both creamy or tomato sauces, over meat, fish or tofu – the list goes on!
More specifically, you can find delicious recipes with chipotle here.
