The Jalapeño Chili Pepper

The jalapeño is the most common and renowned chili pepper in North America. Its distinctive flavor and shape has been a mainstay of many dishes since the days of the ancient Aztec peoples. While it is most commonly green, a fully ripe jalapeño will turn red, orange, or yellow. The typical jalapeño is 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long.

Heat

Compared to many of the hotter chilis, jalapeños, rated 2,500 to 8,000 on the Scoville Scale, are relatively mild. However, its moderate, but definitely perceivable, heat, along with its distinct flavor, make it a fan favorite across the world.

Origins

The jalapeño chili originally comes from the Aztec-controlled lands of modern-day Mexico. After Spanish conquest, the Spanish quickly took a liking to it and began to produce it themselves. Today, the jalapeño's largest producer is Mexico, and its second-largest producer is the United States.

My Take

The jalapeño's flavor is one of the best; there is no doubting that. What it lacks in pure heat it easily makes up for with its iconic flavor. This blend is perfect for anyone who wants to spice up their food without burning up their tongue.