Dried chilis fall into 3 general catagories: Red, Dark, Smoked. ToastingPantry: Dried Chili Peppers Dried chili peppers that aren't available locally can be ordered online in Pantry: Dried Chili Peppers. A simple guidence on heat is that small chilis are usually hotter than their larger counterparts.

Red Chiles Bright orange-red to deep maroon with a tropical fruit flavor. They retain some of their red color after drying and have a smoother skin than the dark chile peppers, and have a light heat and fruity flavor. Cascabel, guajillo, chiles de arbol, and cayenne are some varieties. Use in soups, salsas, stews, and sauces.

Each chili pepper variety is distinct. I've listed what country they are primarily used in; just go to World Cuisines guides you through the amazing diversity of chilis used in countries around the world. Dried chili peppers are available by mail order in Pantry: Dried Chili Peppers. Dark Chilis From rusty red to dark plum and are sweeter than the reds with a deep fruity flavor of prunes and raisins. They are nearly black when dried, with a wrinkly appearance. Use in moles. Ancho, mulato, and are some varieties. Smoked Chiles Then there's the stand alone smoked chiles which have a sweet heat with a deep smokiness. Chipotles are the most popular variety.