I’ve walked enough processing lines to know: a good chile feels alive even when it’s dried. The snap, the aroma—tiny tells of solid farm work and careful drying. From Hebei to Hidalgo, buyers keep asking for consistency and traceability, not just heat. And yes, the market’s moving fast.
A quick data point: in 2020, global production of Capsicum/Pimenta hit ~36 million tonnes, with China at ≈46%—a giant engine for the world’s chile pipeline [1]. No surprise you’re seeing stronger China–to–global supply programs.
| Variety | Heat (SHU ≈) | ASTA Color ≈ | Moisture | Stem Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaotian (Facing Heaven) | 20,000–50,000 | 80–120 | ≤12% | ≤3% (sorted) | Punchy heat; great for chili oil. |
| Yidu | 5,000–12,000 | 100–140 | ≤12% | ≤2% | Red color stability; sauces. |
| Guajillo | 2,500–5,000 | 90–120 | ≤11% | ≤5% | Tannic, raisiny; moles & rubs. |
| California | 500–2,000 | 80–110 | ≤11% | ≤5% | Mild; color-first applications. |
| Puya | 5,000–8,000 | 85–115 | ≤11% | ≤5% | Bright heat; quick infusions. |
Options: whole, stemless, 3–6 mm flakes, 8–20 mesh granules; steam-sterilized; metal detection 1.5–2.0 mm Fe/NFe; packed 10–25 kg lined cartons. Real-world specs may vary by lot; always confirm COA.
Service life: ≈18–24 months in cool, dry storage (
| Factor | Farm‑direct Processor | Regional Trader | Commodity Broker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traceability | Full lot-to-field | Partial | Limited |
| Micro control | Steam/TBC available | Varies | Buyer-managed |
| Customization | Granulation, stemless, SHU tuning | Limited | Minimal |
| Lead time | Short (stock + make-to-order) | Moderate | Variable |
| Price stability | Better via farm programs | Mixed | Market-driven |
Request COA per lot, pesticide screen, micro results, and alignment with Codex CXS 326-2017 for spices. Many processors operate under ISO 22000/HACCP systems; always verify current certificates and audits. ASTA cleanliness and color methods are the usual yardsticks in bid sheets.
Buyer tip: for oil infusions, try 50% chaotian + 50% yidu. You get bright heat plus photogenic color. Not scientific, just what works in test kitchens.
Citations:
Supplier origin: No. 268 Xianghe Street, Economic Development Zone of Xingtai city, Hebei 054001 China.