Ancho is a type of dried chili pepper commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It is made from the ripe Poblano pepper, which is harvested, dried, and then often used in sauces, salsas, and marinades. Ancho peppers have a mild to medium heat level and a rich, sweet flavor with hints of chocolate and dried fruit. In cooking, ancho peppers can be rehydrated in warm water before use, allowing them to be blended into sauces or added to dishes for depth of flavor. They are a key ingredient in traditional recipes like mole and can also be used to season meats and vegetables.