Chile de Cambray

Chile de Cambray is a rare and endangered Capsicum annuum landrace from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, closely resembling the Chile de Arbol in shape and heat but with a sweeter, nuttier profile. This slender pepper is traditionally used in salsas and seasonings and has become scarce due to shifting agricultural practices.

The Chile de Cambray, sometimes referred to locally as Cambray, is a traditional Mexican landrace pepper originating from the San Luis Potosí region. It belongs to the Chile de Arbol family and features slender, tapered pods that measure approximately 2.5 to 3 inches (6-8 cm) in length and 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter. The fruits ripen from green to a vibrant bright red with thin, smooth skin. It delivers heat levels comparable to the standard Chile de Arbol (15,000–30,000 SHU) but with a distinct sweeter note alongside nutty, slightly smoky, and grassy flavors. Plants typically reach 3-4 feet in height and produce prolifically under warm, sunny conditions. Culinary uses include fresh or dried in Mexican salsas, as a powdered seasoning for meats and seafood, in table sauces, hot sauces, and even decorative ristras due to its color retention when dried. Its cultivation has declined significantly, rendering it endangered as farmers in the region increasingly favor higher-yield commercial varieties such as Guajillo.