The best chili peppers to use for making hot sauce depend on your personal taste preferences and the level of heat you desire. Here are some popular chili peppers used in making hot sauce, along with their heat levels and flavor profiles:
Habanero: Known for their fruity and slightly sweet flavor, habanero peppers are quite hot, ranging from 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). They are excellent for adding a fiery kick to your hot sauce.
Scotch Bonnet: Similar in heat to habanero peppers, Scotch bonnets also have a fruity and tropical flavor. They are commonly used in Caribbean cuisine and pair well with fruits like mango or pineapple in hot sauce recipes.
Thai Bird's Eye: These small and potent chili peppers are commonly used in Thai cuisine. They have a high heat level, ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 SHU, and add a distinct spiciness to any hot sauce.
Serrano: Serrano peppers have a bright, fresh flavor and a heat level ranging from 10,000 to 23,000 SHU. They are a good choice if you want a hot sauce with a kick but not overwhelming heat.
Cayenne: Cayenne peppers are more moderately hot, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 SHU. They have a well-rounded flavor and are commonly used in many commercial hot sauces.
Jalapeño: Jalapeño peppers are milder than those mentioned above, ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 SHU. They offer a balanced heat and a pleasant, grassy flavor. For a less intense hot sauce, jalapeños are a great choice.
Poblano: Poblano peppers are even milder, ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 SHU. They have a rich, earthy flavor, and using them will result in a mild hot sauce that's suitable for those who prefer less heat.
When making hot sauce, you can also experiment with different combinations of these chili peppers to achieve the desired flavor and heat level. Additionally, consider incorporating other ingredients like garlic, onions, fruits, vinegar, and spices to create a unique and flavorful hot sauce that suits your taste preferences. Remember always to wear gloves when handling hot peppers and be cautious not to touch your face or eyes to avoid irritation from their natural heat.