Sandia Chiles typically have thinner fruit walls and are shorter than some of their later developed relatives.
Sandia Chiles have a mild fruity sweetness that brings to mind the Anaheim chile, the flavor is not too sweet and the heat is not overpowering they have a 5,000-7,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units). We consider this to be a medium heat chile.
Use anywhere you would use a red chile powder. We’ve used it as a spicier substitute for Hatch New Mexico chile powder in numerous southwest style dishes as well as in chili, soups and stews.
If you're looking for the next step up from the Anaheim or Hatch chile in terms of heat, the Sandia Chile is an excellent choice.
