Pepper comparison
Banana Pepper vs Hatch Green Chile
Hatch Green Chile is roughly 6.0× hotter than Banana Pepper.
Mild0–500 SHU
Banana PepperFrom europe
- Flavor
- Tangy, slightly sweet, mild with almost no perceptible heat — closer to a sweet pepper than a chile.
- Color
- Pale yellow ripening through orange to red
- Best uses
- Pickled in rings for sandwiches, subs, and pizza toppings · Sliced fresh into salads and Greek-style preparations · Stuffed with cheese and breadcrumbs for an oven-baked appetizer
- Pairs with
- Italian-American, American sandwiches, Pizza, Greek salad
Mild500–3K SHU
Hatch Green ChileFrom north america
- Flavor
- Earthy, roasted sweetness with a gentle, lingering warmth and a hint of smokiness.
- Color
- Green (unripe) or red (ripe)
- Best uses
- Green chile cheeseburgers — the New Mexico state dish · Stacked enchiladas with green or red chile sauce · Chile rellenos stuffed with cheese
- Pairs with
- New Mexican, Southwest, Pork, Beef
Quick verdict
Which one to use
- —If you want more heat: reach for Hatch Green Chile (500–3K SHU).
- —If you want manageable heat: use Banana Pepper (0–500 SHU).
- —For Banana Pepper-style flavor: tangy, slightly sweet, mild with almost no perceptible heat — closer to a sweet pepper than a chile.
- —For Hatch Green Chile-style flavor: earthy, roasted sweetness with a gentle, lingering warmth and a hint of smokiness.