
– 3 jalapeno
Jalapeños are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and antioxidants including capsaicinoids; they are low in calories (29 per 100g) and contain beneficial fiber, particularly in the seeds and skin.
About
Jalapeño peppers (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) are medium-sized chili peppers native to Mexico, characterized by their thick-walled, pod-shaped fruit measuring 2-4 inches in length. The peppers are typically green when immature but ripen to red, yellow, or brown depending on variety and growing conditions. They possess a moderate heat level, ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with a fresh, slightly fruity flavor profile that combines vegetal and bright notes. The seeds and white pith contain the highest concentration of capsaicin, the alkaloid responsible for the pepper's characteristic pungency.
Culinary Uses
Jalapeños are foundational to Mexican cuisine and increasingly central to North American cooking. They are used fresh in salsas, guacamole, ceviche, and as garnishes; roasted or grilled to mellow their heat and enhance sweetness; stuffed with cheese and fried as jalapeño poppers; sliced into rings for tacos and nachos; or pickled for extended shelf life and tangy applications. The peppers bridge mild and hot flavor profiles, making them accessible to diverse palates while adding vibrant flavor and controlled heat to dishes ranging from appetizers to main courses and sauces.