Dried chili peppers and fresh chili peppers have some differences in taste,
texture, heat level and usage:
1. Taste:
Dried chili peppers tend to have a more intense, concentrated flavor than fresh
chili peppers. Fresh chili peppers have a bright and slightly sweet taste,
while dried chili peppers have a smoky and slightly bitter taste.
2. Texture:
Fresh chili peppers are typically fleshy, juicy and crisp, while dried chili
peppers are hard and brittle.
3. Heat
level: Drying chili peppers can increase the heat level, making dried chili
peppers generally spicier than fresh chili peppers.
4. Usage:
Fresh chili peppers are commonly used raw in salads, sandwiches and dips, or
cooked in sauces, stir-fries, and soups. Dried chili peppers are most often
used in spice blends and rubs, or ground into chili powder. They can also be
reconstituted and used in cooking, adding heat and flavor to dishes.