The Jalapeno is variously named in Mexico as huachinango and chile gordo. The cuaresmeno closely resembles the Jalapeno. The seeds of a cuaresmeno have the heat of a Jalapeno, but the flesh has a mild flavor close to a green bell pepper.
As of 1999, 5,500 acres (22 km2) in the United States were dedicated to the cultivation of Jalapeno s. Most Jalapeno s are produced in southern New Mexico and western Texas.
Jalapeno s are a pod type of Capsicum. The growing period is 70–80 days. When mature, the plant stands two and a half to three feet tall. Typically a plant produces twenty-five to thirty-five pods. During a growing period, a plant will be picked multiple times. As the growing season ends, Jalapeno s start to turn red.
Once picked, individual peppers ripen to red of their own accord. The peppers can be eaten green or red.
Jalapenos have 2,500 - 8,000 Scoville heat units. Compared to other chillies, the Jalapeno has a heat level that varies from mild to hot depending on cultivation and preparation. The heat, caused by capsaicin and related compounds, is concentrated in the veins (placenta) surrounding the seeds, which are called picante. Handling fresh Jalapeno s may cause skin irritation. Some handlers wear latex or vinyl gloves while cutting, skinning, or seeding Jalapeno s. When preparing Jalapeno s, hands should not come in contact with the eyes as this leads to burning and redness.
Jalapeno is of Nahuatl and Spanish origin. The Spanish suffix -eno signifies that the noun originates in the place modified by the suffix, similar to the English - (i) an. The Jalapeno is named after the Mexican town of Xalapa (also spelled Jalapa). Xalapa is itself of Nahuatl derivation, formed from roots xal-li "sand" and a-pan "water place."
A Jalapeno plant with pods. The purple strips on the stem are anthocyanin, due to the growth under blue-green spectrum fluorescent lighting.
Five Jalapeno peppers.
- A chipotle is a smoked, ripe Jalapeno.
- Jalapeno jelly can be prepared using jellying methods.
- Jalapeno peppers are often muddled and served in mixed drinks.
- Texas Toothpicks are Jalapeno s and onions shaved into straws, lightly breaded, and deep fried.
- Jalapeno Poppers, also called Armadillo eggs, are an appetizer; Jalapeno s are stuffed with cheese, usually cheddar or cream cheese, breaded and deep fried.
