Facing Heaven Chile (Chaotian Jiao)
What it is
Chaotian jiao ("facing-the-sky/heaven chile") — small, conical pods that grow pointing upward toward the sky. A defining dried chile of Sichuan and Hunan cooking.
How it's made
Sun-dried; the small, thick-fleshed cones fry without burning, making them ideal for the wok and chili oil.
Flavor profile
Moderately hot with a fragrant, slightly nutty, smoky-sweet aroma when fried — prized for fragrance and color as much as heat.
Culinary uses
Fried whole into kung pao chicken and là zi ji (chongqing chili chicken), steeped into chili oil (làyóu), and ground into dried-chile blends. Pairs with Sichuan peppercorn, garlic, ginger, and Shaoxing wine.
Regional variations
Sichuan and Hunan grow distinct facing-heaven types; the term covers several small upward-pointing cultivars.
Cultural & historical context
The visual of red cones pointing skyward gives the chile its poetic name and makes it a recognizable symbol of Sichuan-Hunan spice culture.
Reference notes
Tags: `dried`, `hot`, `Chinese`, `Sichuan`, `Hunan`, `C. annuum`, `chili-oil`, `fragrant`. Related: er jing tiao, Sichuan facing heaven, de árbol. Substitute chile de árbol (hotter, less fragrant). Sourcing: Chinese grocers, dried in bags. Link → Kung Pao Chicken, Chili Oil, Er Jing Tiao, Sichuan Peppercorn.