Smoked jalapeños are called chipotle. The jalapeño is one of the most important and popular chili varieties in Mexico and the USA. It is medium hot and very fruity. Because of the relatively thick flesh, jalapeños are not suitable for air drying. Smoking the ripe fruit has therefore been a popular method of drying and preserving for centuries. The Aztecs developed this technique. The wood of the mesquite tree is used for smoking, which gives the dried fruit a strong, smoky flavor. Smoking causes the chili pepper to lose around 90% of its weight. Chipotle is used as a spicy ingredient in BBQ products, braised dishes, sauces and spice mixtures.