Chilli

Variety with control – from the type to the spiciness

Chilli is not a commodity for chance. Variety, origin, climate, harvest time and processing determine spiciness, colour and aroma. Therefore, small variations can have a big impact.

Selected by ARONA bundles varietal expertise and rigorous quality control here. We work with specialist partners in Spain, Central America, and the USA, are regularly on-site, and personally oversee cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Together, we define varietal profiles, heat levels, and technical specifications.

Reproducible sharpness through controlled processing

Controlled drying, precise milling and clear batch management result in chilli products with reproducible heat, stable sensory properties and high industrial process security.

A central parameter in this is the defined pungency. Through standardised Scoville ranges and analytical determination of capsaicin content, it is ensured that the intensity and flavour profile precisely match the respective product specifications. Tight tolerance ranges enable reliable scaling of recipes – from mild, fruity warmth to highly intense capsaicin profiles.

In addition to sharpness, colour quality also plays a crucial role. Depending on the variety and application, defined ASTA colour values are used as a basis and checked on a batch-by-batch basis. This ensures that colour intensity and visual impact remain constant and reproducible in sauces, spice blends, or convenience products.

This combination of varietal purity, analytical control, and clear specification management makes Chili Selected by ARONA a precisely controllable raw material – not only sensorially but also technically.

Chilli varieties in the SBA portfolio

Jalapeño
Chipotle
Habanero pepper
Scotch Bonnet
Bird's Eye
Ghost Pepper
Anchovy
Guajillo

And there are more varieties available.

Depending on the variety, available as powder, granules, crushed or whole – with defined heat levels, tested ASTA values and clearly documented batch traceability.

Varieties in our portfolio

Luck
Typical Scoville Heat Units (SHU)*
Colour profile / ASTA relevance
Sensory profile
Technical suitability / application
Jalapeño
c. 5,000–20,000
medium red
Fresh, slightly green, moderately fruity
Sauces, dips, spice blends
Chipotle
c. 5,000–20,000
dark red-brown
Smoky, warm, balanced
BBQ, marinades
Habanero pepper
approx. 100,000–350,000
Bright orange-red
Intense, fruity-floral
Premium sauces, ethnic applications
Scotch Bonnet
approx. 100,000–350,000
Orange rot
Sweet-fruity, aromatically complex
Caribbean Profiles
Bird's Eye
approx. 50,000–100,000
Strong red
direct, sharp speed
Asian applications
Ghost Pepper
Approx. 800,000–1,000,000+
deep red
Extremely sharp, long-lasting
High-Heat Products
Anchovy
approx. 1,000–2,000
dark red-brown
mild, warm, slightly sweet
Sauce bases
Guajillo
approx. 2,500–5,000
Clear red
Fruity, slightly berry
Colouring applications

*SHU = Scoville Heat Units (guideline values depending on harvest and batch) For industrial applications, defined Scoville target ranges, capsaicin content, and ASTA colour values are analysed and documented on a batch-related basis. Tight tolerance controls ensure reproducible results in colour, aroma, and spiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cut sizes are available?

Chilli products are available in various particle sizes and cut forms, tailored for industrial applications:

  • Powder qualities with defined fineness of grind
  • Granulate in specified grain size ranges (e.g. 0.2–0.5 mm | 0.5–1 mm)
  • Crushed qualities
  • Flakes and coarser cuts

The particle size distribution is controlled via defined sieve fractions and batch-specific sieve analyses. Application-specific specifications can be implemented upon request.

Are organic variants available?

Certified organic quality is available for selected chili varieties. Depending on the origin and variety, EU organic-compliant batches with full traceability and corresponding certification can be provided.

Availability is dependent on variety and harvest.

How stable are the products in application?

The products are managed according to defined specifications regarding heat level, particle size distribution, moisture content, and microbiological parameters.

Through controlled drying, standardised grinding and batch-related analytics, sharpness profile, colour and aroma are kept reproducible. This ensures stable dosability and consistent sensory properties in industrial formulations.

How is sharpness defined?

The level of spiciness is controlled by the analytical determination of the capsaicin content via HPLC. This is converted into Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Batches are managed within defined spiciness ranges to ensure reproducible recipe management.

How is the colour quality of the chillies ensured?

The colour intensity is specified via defined ASTA colour values and checked on a batch-by-batch basis.
This ensures that colour effects and visual appeal remain consistent in sauces, spice blends, and ready-made products.

Enquire about high-quality plant-based raw materials now

We will advise you individually on variants, qualities, and technical requirements.