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Cubanelle Vs Poblano: 5+ Differences You Need To Know

If your taste buds are sensitive to hot Peppers, try mild or sweet Peppers, and Cubanelle and Poblano are the first choices. 

Generally, Cubanelle and Poblano are mild Peppers but differ in color, shape, size, taste, Scoville, origin, culinary uses, etc. Moreover, Cubanelle is a long and slender Pepper, while Poblano looks like a heart-shaped Pepper.

If you want to learn about Cubanelle vs Poblano in detail, take some time to read this article. 

Cubanelle Vs Poblano: Scoville, Appearance, Taste, Etc.

Cubanelle and Poblano are considered mild Peppers and offer good sources of Vitamin A and C. Though they share neighboring similarities, they also possess warlike differences in attributes. 

Cubanelle Vs Poblano comparison
Both Cubanelle and Poblano Peppers offer sweet flavors and are good sizes for stuffing.

1. Origin & Cultivation

Cubanelle is a Sweet Pepper variety of the species Capsicum annuum. Originated in and native to Cuba, Cubanelle is also known as the Cuban Pepper and  Italian Frying Pepper. 

Farmers often grow Cubanelle in the Caribbean regions, especially in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.

Poblano Peppers hail from Mexico and often serve Mexican cuisine. Commercially, they grow in the US, especially in the southwestern states, because of their contribution to preparing Tex-Mex and Mexican-American dishes.

2. Appearance 

Cubanelle looks like an elongated Bell Pepper or a Banana Wax Pepper, while Poblano mimics a mini Bell Pepper. Here are some appearance attributes that tell many differences between these Peppers. 

  • Color: Cubanelle Peppers grow in green, red, or yellow, while Poblano Pepper boasts green, red, or brown fruits. 
  • Texture: Cubanelle has thin skin and flesh, but Poblano is known for thicker skin and flesh. 
  • Shape: You can tell Cubanelle by the shape with long and slender with a curve, similar to a Banana Pepper. In contrast, Poblano Pepper is broader and heart-shaped, with a slightly wrinkled. 
  • Size: Cubanelle typically measures about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide, but Poblano is only 4 inches long and 2 inches wide.

3. Heat Level

The spiciness or heat level of Peppers is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU)

Cubanelle is too mild in terms of heat, with only 0-100 SHU. 

However, Poblano Peppers possess a mild to medium level of heat. They are known for SHU ratings ranging from 1000 to 2000. 

4. Taste & Flavor

  • Cubanelle Pepper: These Peppers offer a sweet, grassy, slightly bitter, or tangy. Users add Cubanelle only to get a mild and fruity Pepper flavor without any heat or spiciness. 
  • Poblano Pepper: These possess a rich, earthy flavor only to offer medium heat. Paobano has a smoky quality, making it the perfect choice for roasting and stuffing.

5. Culinary Uses

Cubanelle Peppers serve mainly Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisines. Cuban, Italian, and Spanish cuisines are often prepared with Cubanelle.

They are ideal for roasting, grilling, and frying. Also, you can eat these Pappers raw fresh or add to the salads.

On the other hand, Poblano Peppers are versatile and often observed in Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. If noticed, they are a popular choice for stuffing with meat, cheese, and beans to make chiles rellenos. 

6. Substitutes

You can find many substitutes for Cubanelle Peppers, such as Anaheim Peppers, Banana Peppers, Bell Peppers, Gypsy Peppers, Italian Sweet Peppers, Santa Fe Grande Peppers, etc. 

In contrast, the best substitutes for Poblano include Bell Peppers, Anaheim Peppers, Jalapeños, Cubanelle Peppers, New Mexico Chilies, Ancho Chilies, Guajillo Peppers, Cayenne Peppers, etc. 

Cubanelle Vs Poblano In Summary

AttributesCubanelle PepperPoblano Pepper
HeatMild (0-100 SHU)Mild to medium (1,000-2,000 SHU)
ColorGreen, red, or yellowGreen, red, or brown
ShapeLong and slenderHeart-shaped
Skin and fleshThinThick
FlavorSweet, grassy, slightly bitterEarthy, smoky, sweet
UsesFresh, roasted, grilled, friedFresh, roasted, grilled, stuffed, dried
CuisineCuban, Italian, SpanishMexican

From Editorial Team

Which (Cubanelle Vs Poblano) Pepper Can Best Serve Your Taste?

The perfect Pepper for a particular dish or cuisine depends on the flavor profile of the Pepper. 

If you desire mild Pepper with a sweet taste, Cubanelle Peppers are perfect for you. But if you are searching for Pepper that has moderate heat and smoky flavor, take no chance except Poblano Peppers.

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