A jalapeno pepper is a fruit of the Capsicum pod type measuring between 2,500 and 8,000 Scoville Heat Units. It is a medium sized pepper, measuring an average of 2-3.5 inches in length but growing up to 6 inches long or longer.
Scoville Heat Units: 2,500 - 8,000 SHU
Origin: Mexico.
The Jalapeno Pepper - America’s Favorite Chile Pepper
America’s Favorite chile pepper is by far the jalapeno, a thick-fleshed pepper about 3 inches long (give or take). It’s a bright green little guy that can be lovingly incorporated into just about anything, from soups to Lemonade.
The majority of our jalapeño peppers come from Mexico, where the natives eat them as snack foods, plucking them in droves from sidewalk carts and fields. The red variety of the jalapeño is a bit milder than the green variety, and sweeter as well.
They are also milder than their cousin, the serrano pepper, another popular chile pepper, though not as widely known as our favorite, the jalapeño.
What is a Jalapeño Pepper?
A jalapeno pepper is a fruit of the Capsicum pod type. It is a medium sized hot pepper when compared to other chili peppers, measuring an average of 2-3.5 inches in length but growing up to 6 inches long or longer.
While originating in Mexico, it is now grown worldwide for it's popular flavor and mild heat level, which averages around 5,000 Scoville Heat Units. That is hot, but not too hot.
You'll find them served when green, but if you leave the jalapeno pepper on the plant long enough, it will turn red. The red variety are just as delicious as the green jalapeno pepper, though a touch sweeter.
The Meaning of Jalapeno
The name "jalapeno" is Spanish for "Jalapa" (or Xalapa), the capital of Veracruz, Mexico. Jalapenos were originally grown there, hence the name.
Other Names for Jalapeno
- Huachinango - the ripe red jalapeno
- Chile Gordo - "Fat Chili Pepper"
- Cuaresmeño
- Chipotle Pepper - a smoked jalapeno pepper
Anatomy of a Jalapeño Pepper
Growing Jalapeno Peppers
Growing jalapeno peppers is fairly easy because the plants are pretty forgiving. Jalapenos start off a bit slow, so it is helpful to start to grow your plants indoors a few weeks (anywhere from 8-12 weeks) before transferring them outside. Keep the early soil and budding plants constantly moist, but do not over water.
Learn more about growing jalapenos and other chili peppers here.
Or, check out this Guide to Growing Chili Peppers for helpful information.
About the Jalapeno Plants
A mature jalapeno pepper plant measures 2-3 feet in height and will typically produce around 30-40 jalapeno pepper pods. If you grow them in your own garden, pick them regularly, as the plant will continue to produce.
How Hot are Jalapeno Peppers? The Jalapeno Pepper Scoville Scale Rating
Since jalapeno peppers range between 2,500 and 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), the can be notably spicy, but they are not TOO spicy, depending on your tolerance.
If you compare the jalapeno pepper to the Hottest Peppers in the World, particular the Hottest Pepper in the World - The Carolina Reaper, you'll find that jalapeno peppers are actually quite low on the Scoville Heat Scale.
Learn more about the Scoville Scale Here.
The Health Benefits of Jalapeno Peppers
A typical jalapeno pepper packs more vitamin C than an orange, so if you need your extra C, grab a jalapeno.
How much vitamin C, you ask? A single 14 gram jalapeno pepper contains 10% of your daily needs. According to Nutrition Data, a single 73 gram chili pepper contains 83%.
Jalapenos and other spicy chili peppers can also help you lose or control your weight.
Capsaicin, the chemical that makes chili peppers hot, is a thermogenic. Thermogenics stimulate the body’s burning of fat by increasing the metabolism of the body’s adipose tissue, generating heat.
For losing weight, a smart and healthy move is to drop fatty foods and replace them with some chili pepper spice, along with the inclusion of regular exercise, of course.
At Daegu University, Korea, biotechnologist Jong Won Yun and colleagues report that capsicum lowers caloric intake, shrinks fat tissue and reduces fat levels in the blood.
What Do Jalapeno Peppers Taste Like?
Jalapeño peppers taste very much like a serrano pepper, only with less heat.
I characterize the flavor of fresh jalapenos as bright, vegetable and very green, with a slight level of heat. Roasted jalapenos peppers are richer, slightly smoky, earthy with good heat.
Cooking with Jalapeno Peppers
Jalapeno peppers are by far one of my very favorite chili peppers. For me, they're an everyday pepper. They're not too hot, and contain just the right amount of heat for everyday use.
My wife has ZERO trouble eating foods made with jalapeno peppers. It's basically a gateway pepper. You get the right amount of spice with them, but then soon you find yourself craving hotter and spicier foods. Excellent!
When cooking with them, use them as you would use a bell pepper. Remove the stem, chop them, then use them as the recipe calls for.
You can core the jalapenos to reduce the overall heat if you'd like. I like to leave the innards intact for that extra bit of kick.
Jalapenos are also wonderful when roasted. You can roast them over an open flame until the skins char and bubble, then peel them off. Or you can broil or bake them to roast them.
Learn how to roast chili peppers here.
I cook jalapenos into just about everything. Seriously, I love them so.
Below is a list of recipes to try that feature or incorporate jalapeno peppers.
Jalapeno Pepper Recipes
- Candied Jalapenos (Cowboy Candy)
- Jalapeno Jelly
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
- Baked Cream Cheese Jalapeno Poppers
- Grilled Jalapeno Poppers
- Jalapeno Bottle Caps (Breaded and Fried Jalapeno Peppers)
- Creamy Jalapeno Sauce
- Jalapeno Cheddar Chicken Wings
- Kiwi Jalapeno Jam
- Ancho-Jalapeno Hot Sauce
- Pickled Jalapeno Peppers
- Taqueria-Style Pickled Jalapenos and Carrots
Want to learn more about the Jalapeno?
This post was updated on 6/25/19 to include new information and photos. It was originally published on 9/22/2013.
Linda grant says
I have a pepper plant i think its a jalepone, the pepper was green and has suddenly gone yellow!! Help i don't have a clue whats going on with it!!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hard to say, Linda. It might not be a jalapeno, but something like a jaloro pepper.
Nick G says
I have two Jalapeno plants and both are producing well. I'm aware that they will turn red if they remain on the plant long enough. However, I have a small newly emerged pepper on the plant that was originally dark, even purple, and that by the end of the day was bright red. But still quite small. It basically emerged red on a plant whose other peppers are of course green. What do I make of this?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
It's likely still edible, Nick. I wouldn't be concerned. As long as it feels firm and shows no signs of rot.
Ken Robinson says
Michael
I am just starting to grow some Jalapenos in a small hydroponic unit, 3 plants about a foot high and starting to flower in sub-tropical Australia, should I pinch off some flowers at this stage or let them grow out?
I will be planting more and plan on pickling, sauce making and poppers using your recipes and following your updates with gratitude and thanks.
Ken
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Ken, if the plants are still growing, pinching off some of the flowers will let the plant focus energy on continuing to grow rather than supporting peppers. Could be a good idea. Good luck!
Paul says
Im trying to find out roughly how many seeds are in 1 jalapeño. ..do u have any idea...im wanting to know as looking at saving some seed.thnx
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Paul, that's a great question, one I never bothered to measure! Now I'm curious!
garry boettger says
How to store peppers.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Gary, I have a page that you can review - How to Store Peppers. I hope this helps.
Steve Bacon says
I am growing peppers in my garden and need to know how best to store them,
Thanks
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Steve, check out my post on How to Store Peppers (https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/preserving-chili-peppers/how-to-store-peppers/). Good luck with your jalapenos!