Peppers are hot! They can add that delicious dragon breath to your food. However, if you want to get the best out of your peppers, you need to know more about them. Two of the most frequently used peppers are cubanelle pepper vs poblano chili peppers.
The major difference between cubanelle pepper and poblano chilies is their heat level, color, and flavor. Cubanelle chilies are notably milder and sweeter than poblanos.
In this article, we will talk about their differences, flavors, uses, health benefits, prices, and other essential details that will help you make a better choice.
What Is Cubanelle Pepper?
Cubanelle pepper, also known as an Italian frying pepper, can be described as a long hard red-purple chili pepper that has the shape of a banana.
The peppers are about 5-7inches long, with a curved shape and smooth, pale skin.
They have thick walls and longer growing seasons than traditional bell peppers. They can be eaten raw or cooked, but they’re best when roasted. When cooked, they begin to brown along the edges and take on a smoky taste that gets sweeter as it caramelizes.
The flavor is also milder and sweeter, with more fruity overtones.
Furthermore, this pepper originates from Cuba but can be found across the US and Canada.
It is popular in Central and South American cuisine. It’s easy to find in most grocery stores and works well as a substitute for Poblano peppers (which are harder to find) and other mild chills.
Cubanelle pepper heat rates from 500-1,000 Scoville Heat Units. Even those who can’t condone heat can enjoy this pepper, making it one of the best choices for salsa, sauces, soups, and stews.
See Also: 5 Best Substitutes for Fire Roasted Tomatoes
What Is Poblano Pepper?
The poblano pepper is a large, mild chili pepper native to Mexico and is widely used in Mexican cuisine.
A mature poblano pepper is about 4 inches long, dark green in color, and heart-shaped. It has a mild flavor that can be described as having a “woodsy” quality.
A dried poblano pepper is called an ancho or mulato chili. The same pepper can be dried and left to ripen further until it turns red, at which point it becomes a chili negro or pasilla chili.
People who don’t like too much heat in their food also prefer the Poblano pepper –although they are fiercer than Cubanelle with a Scoville scale measuring 1,000–1,500 SHU.
Furthermore, Poblano is ideal for stuffing because they’re big and flat-sided.
You can fill them with anything you want, though they’re traditionally stuffed with cheese and fried. They’re also great for grilling.
They’re milder than most peppers and have a smoky flavor that makes them great to use in salsas, dips, and sauces. You can also add them to stews and other slow-cooked dishes.
Cubanelle Pepper Vs Poblano
There are two camps for this argument:
Those who claim that the Cubanelle pepper is clearly the best, and those who insist that it’s all about the Poblano.
However, which side is right?
We’ll know by the end of this section.
| Differences | Cubanelle pepper | Poblano Pepper |
| Appearance | It has a curved shape like Anaheim or banana pepper, with a six-inch length and a width of about two inches. | Poblanos are dark green chili pepper with a flat triangular shape. It’s about 4-5 inches long and 2 ½ -3 inches wide. |
| Heat level | 500-1,000 Scoville Heat Units | 1,000–1,500 Scoville Heat Units |
| Flavor | Milder and sweeter with more fruity overtones. | Mild than most peppers and have a smoky flavor |
| Color | When young Cubanelle is yellowish-green, it turns into a rich red color as it matures. | Dark green chili peppers, but turn brown or dark red as they ripen |
| Nutritional value | More healthy | Healthy |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Hottest Pepper In The World 2021?
The hottest pepper in the world in 2021 is probably the Carolina Reaper. It is a hot pepper with a 1,641,183 Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating.
Another popular contender for the hottest pepper in 2021 is the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion. This pepper has a formidable heat of 1.2 million Scoville heat units.
Do Poblano Peppers Get Less Spicy When Cooked?
Yes, when you cook poblano peppers, their heat is significantly reduced.
Poblano peppers are an excellent option for anyone who enjoys the taste of jalapenos but doesn’t want the extra bit of heat that comes with eating them fresh.
If you’re someone who can’t handle a lot of spice but still wants to enjoy the flavor of poblano peppers, consider cooking them in one of the following ways:
- Roasting or pan-frying the pepper on low heat.
- Blanching or poaching the pepper in boiling water.
Are Cubanelle Peppers Hot Or Sweet?
It’s a trick question! Cubanelle peppers can be both sweet and hot, depending on their ripeness.
What’s Similar to Cubanelle Pepper?
Some Cubanelle Pepper substitutes include:
- Anaheim chills
- Bell Peppers
- Passilla Chili Peppers
- Poblano Chili Pepper
- Banana Peppers
- Sweet Chili Pepper
They all got some sweetness, some tanginess, and a little bit of spice.
You can slice it up into thin strips and throw it on top of a pizza or in a panini. You can also stuff them and bake them for a fantastic side dish.
How Do You Store Cubanelle Peppers?
The best place to store your cubanelle peppers is in the refrigerator.
Storing cubanelle peppers in the refrigerator will prevent them from drying out, making them more likely to stay crisp and green for up to one week.
See Also: 10 Best Substitutes For Green Chilies
Conclusion
Both peppers can be an excellent fit for your kitchen, giving you delicious roasted and sautéed peppers.
However, if you still aren’t sure about what to choose for your recipes, you should consider their heat level, flavors, and what they’re best used for.
For instance, Cubanelle peppers are less spicy than poblanos, making it best for those interested in recipes with little kick.
However, Poblanos are better for stuffing and chills Rellenos, while Cubanelle peppers can be used in picadillo or stuffed with crabmeat for a delicious main course.