The strands of dried decorative chillies you may see in shops or kitchens are often of the arbol variety. These long, curved chillies mature from green to fiery red, uniquely retaining their bright scarlet upon drying. With intense heat and a subtle smoky flavour, these chillies are popular in western Mexican and Tex Mex cooking. Fry or soak before use for a deeper intensity. Heat level: 8-9/10 Also known as: Bird's beak chilli, Chile de árbol, Rat's tail chilli, Tree chilli