National Totally Chipotle Day

National Totally Chipotle Day is a celebration dedicated to the humble chipotle pepper, which is a smoke-dried ripe jalapeño chili pepper primarily used in Mexican and Mexican-inspired cuisine. This versatile pepper adds a distinctive smoky and slightly sweet flavor to various dishes and is celebrated annually on May 5th, coinciding with Cinco de Mayo.

Quick Facts

When is it?: May 5th annually
Tagged as: Food holiday, Mexican cuisine celebration
What’s the hashtag?: #TotallyChipotleDay
When was it founded?: Unknown
Who founded it?: Creator unknown

History of National Totally Chipotle Day

The chipotle pepper has ancient roots dating back to Mexican cuisine’s earliest days. The name “chipotle” derives from the Nahuatl language spoken by the Aztecs, combining “chili” (pepper) and “poctli” (smoke) to mean “smoked pepper.” While the specific origin of National Totally Chipotle Day remains unclear, the celebration honors this important ingredient in Mexican culinary tradition.

Chipotle peppers begin as jalapeños that are smoke-dried to create their distinctive flavor. Historically, these peppers were most commonly found in central and southern Mexican markets. Of all jalapeños produced in Mexico, approximately 60% are used for pickled products, 20% are consumed fresh, and 20% are processed into chipotle peppers.

Timeline

Ancient times: Chipotle peppers first used in Mexican cuisine
Aztec period: Name “chilpoctli” established in Nahuatl language
20th century: Chipotle peppers gain popularity in the United States
Present day: Celebrated annually on May 5th alongside Cinco de Mayo

Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	May 5	Monday
2026	May 5	Tuesday
2027	May 5	Wednesday
2028	May 5	Friday
2029	May 5	Saturday
2030	May 5	Sunday

Observed

National Totally Chipotle Day is observed annually on May 5th, coinciding with Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The day is perfect for incorporating chipotle peppers into your cooking and celebrating Mexican culinary traditions.

Fun Facts About Chipotle Peppers

Chipotle peppers are hotter than poblano peppers but not as hot as serrano peppers on the Scoville scale. The popularity of chipotle has spread from Mexico to the southern United States and is particularly prominent in Tex-Mex cuisine. The unique combination of heat, smoke, and flavor makes chipotle difficult to substitute, though some cooks use Spanish paprika or smoked paprika as alternatives. It takes approximately 10 pounds of jalapeños to produce just 1 pound of chipotle seasoning.

Quiz

What type of pepper is a chipotle before it’s smoked?
What language does the word “chipotle” come from?
What holiday coincides with National Totally Chipotle Day?

(Answers: 1. Jalapeño 2. Nahuatl 3. Cinco de Mayo)

FAQs

Q: What’s the best way to use chipotle peppers?
A: Chipotle peppers can be used in salsas, marinades, sauces, soups, and to flavor meats and vegetables. They’re commonly available dried, as powder, or canned in adobo sauce.

Q: Are chipotle peppers very spicy?
A: They have a moderate heat level – hotter than poblanos but less spicy than serranos. Their distinctive smoky flavor often overshadows their heat.

Q: Why is National Totally Chipotle Day celebrated on Cinco de Mayo?
A: The celebration coincides with Cinco de Mayo to honor the Mexican origins of the chipotle pepper and to celebrate Mexican culinary traditions.

Q: Is National Totally Chipotle Day a public holiday?
A: No, it is not a public holiday; schools and businesses remain open.

Q: How can I celebrate this day?
A: Try cooking with chipotle peppers, visit a Mexican restaurant, or share your favorite chipotle-based recipes online.

Q: Are chipotles very spicy?
A: They are moderately spicy but add a rich smoky flavor to dishes.

Importance of National Totally Chipotle Day

National Totally Chipotle Day celebrates not just a pepper but an important aspect of Mexican culinary heritage. It encourages people to explore Mexican cuisine and appreciate the complex flavors that chipotle peppers bring to dishes. The day also promotes cultural appreciation and provides an opportunity to learn about traditional food preservation techniques.