The chile de árbol is a small, thin, and elongated chili pepper commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It measures approximately 2 to 3 inches long and about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter. When fresh, the chile de árbol is bright green, but it turns a vibrant red as it ripens and is often dried in this state.
These chilies are known for their medium to high heat. They have a sharp, bold, slightly smoky flavor that enhances salsas, soups, stews, and marinades. The dried version, with its woody stem intact, is also used as a decorative element due to its vivid red color and appealing shape.