Facing Heaven
Cultivar · Chao Tian Jiao (朝天椒), Zhi Tian Jiao (指天椒), Sky-facing pepper
Facing Heaven (Chao Tian Jiao) is a cone-shaped Capsicum annuum chilli from Sichuan, named for the way its pods point skyward on the plant. A staple of Sichuan and Hunan cooking, it is prized more for aroma than ferocity: fruity, citrusy and mildly sweet, with medium heat. Usually used dried, whole or crushed, in chilli oils, stir-fries and hot pot.
History & lineage
One of the chillies grouped as "facing heaven" (Chao Tian Jiao) for their upward-pointing pods. Long associated with Sichuan province, where it is a backbone of the region's dried-chilli cooking.
Culinary uses
Sichuan and Hunan cooking. Usually used dried, whole or crushed: chilli oil, stir-fries, dry-fried dishes and hot pot. Often fried in oil at the start of a dish to release its aroma.
