Habanero Chile

These are among the most potent chiles, along with their Caribbean cousins, the Scotch Bonnet, in the world.  They hail from Mexico and Central America, but can be found, fresh and dried, in supermarkets throughout North America.  They are prized for their earthy, smoky flavor that is unique in the chile world.  They aren't for the faint of heart though, as they can be hundreds of times hotter than the Jalapeno.