Friday, December 13, 2013

What To Know About Arizona Chili Spices

By Cornelia White


If you like to add a little kick to your cooking, try a pinch, dash or sprinkle of Arizona chili spices. There are hundreds of spices, blends and sauces to choose from. You can find chilies that are super hot and spicy as well as more mild and flavorful varieties. Don't think these are just for Mexican or Southwestern-type foods. Chili powders, seasoning mixes and sauces work with any type of food.

Arizona chili spices come in a many different varieties. In addition to the intense powders, like poblano, chipoltle, ancho and Jalisco, there are many unique mixes available. These make great rubs for any type of meat. These seasonings also makes a great salt substitute for those trying to lower their sodium intake. You get tons of flavor without the negative health effects.

Farming has a long history in the Southwest. The climate is just ideal for growing and the sun and heat provide an intensity to these chilies that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Just as wine grapes, oranges and other crops have there ideal growing climate, chilies thrive in Arizona.

The other thing about buying Arizona chili spices is that most of the growers and manufacturers are small, family-owned farms and business. There is a long history of farming in areas like the Santa Cruz and Sulphur Springs Valley. In fact the largest pepper ever grown comes from the farm fields of Arizona. These are not mass-produced and manufactured blends that come from giant industrial farms. These are long time farmers who have been tilling the land for generations.

While most people associates chilies with Mexican, Tex-Mex or Southwestern cooking, they actually go with just about style food. Adding an ancho or chipotle mix to a simple can of chicken noodle soup transform the boring to the outstanding. Adding a pinch of cayenne to your family beef stew recipe or mac and cheese provides a wonderful kick. Try some of the dip mixes to spice up any get together or party. Just about anything can benefit from a little chili spice.

Finding Arizona chili spices is simple thanks to the web. There are many online retailers, manufacturers and you can even buy directly some farmers. There are many unique blends and mixes so you might try a variety or sampler pack to get you started. Each manufacturer has a different style so check around to see what appeals to you.

These mixes make great gifts too. Most retailers have gift baskets that are pre-made for your convenience. You can also put together your own selection. For a gift that keeps on giving, sign up for the spice-a-month club. You'll get a new seasoning mix every month. It will keep your cooking fresh and unique. They'll all ship products internationally too.

If you are tired of the same old meals, a simple way to change things up is to add some Arizona chili spices. Scratch cooks will love experimenting with the unique flavors and spices while those on the run will love the pre-made marinades and mixes. Order a variety and have some fun. Chilies add a whole new dimension to any style of cooking.




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