Capsicum annuum 'Pasilla'

Pasilla means 'little raisin' in Spanish, referring to the dark brown, wrinkled, dried pod, called a chilaca when fresh. Plants grow 60-90cm (2-3ft) tall, with first branches well up the stem so pods don't touch the ground. The thin cylindrical 20-25cm (8-10in) pods turn brown. The pasilla is mainly used by Mexican cooks in the dried pod or in powdered form. Varieties include Apaseo, Bajio, De oaxaca and Padilla.