Jalapeño Pepper

What Is Jalapeño Pepper?

Jalapeño is a medium-sized, dark green fresh chili pepper originating from Mexico. It turns red as it ripens; it is one of the most commonly used hot peppers in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.

It scores between 2,500-8,000 units on the Scoville heat scale, placing it in the "medium heat" class. It can be consumed fresh, pickled (pickled jalapeño), or smoked-dried (chipotle).

Nutritional Values of Jalapeño Pepper

100 grams of fresh jalapeño contains approximately 29 kcal of energy; it carries a high level of vitamin C and the compound capsaicin responsible for its heat. Values are approximate.

How Should Jalapeño Pepper Be Consumed?

Jalapeño is consumed as part of a balanced diet, as a vegetable-group food, together with other food groups.

This information is general; jalapeño is a vegetable, not a substitute for medical treatment. Those with stomach sensitivity are advised to consume hot peppers in moderation, and to avoid touching their eyes while cutting them.

How Should Jalapeño Pepper Be Selected?

Good jalapeño has a glossy-dark green skin, is firm-hard, and has a fresh stem. Wrinkled, softened or spotted peppers are not preferred.

• Skin should be glossy dark green, taut
• Should be firm-hard to the touch, not softened
• Stem should be fresh and green, not dried

How Should Jalapeño Pepper Be Stored?

Fresh jalapeño can be stored in a closed container in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer for 1-2 weeks; for long-term storage it can be frozen or made into pickles.

Using Jalapeño Pepper in the Kitchen

Jalapeño is most often used in Mexican-Tex-Mex dishes such as nachos, tacos and quesadillas, as pickled jalapeño in sandwiches, and in salsa and sauce recipes.

How Can Jalapeño's Heat Be Reduced?

Removing the inner membranes and seeds (where most of the heat is concentrated) can significantly reduce the pepper's level of heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are jalapeño and chipotle the same pepper?

Yes; chipotle is the smoked and dried form of ripened, reddened jalapeño, with a much more intense-smoky taste than fresh jalapeño.

How hot is jalapeño?

It ranges between 2,500-8,000 units on the Scoville scale; noticeably hotter than a banana pepper, but much milder than very hot peppers like habanero.

Is jalapeño grown in Turkey?

It is grown to a limited extent; it is mostly found in large markets, imported fresh or pickled.