Jalapeño

About This Chile

The jalapeño is arguably the world's most famous chile pepper, named after the city of Xalapa (Jalapa) in Veracruz. It has thick, crisp walls and a grassy, slightly sweet flavor with moderate heat that varies widely — some jalapeños are quite mild while others can surprise you. In Mexico, jalapeños are used fresh in salsas, roasted and peeled for rajas (chile strips), pickled for tacos and tortas, and smoked to make chipotle chiles. Red jalapeños are fully ripe and sweeter than green ones.

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How to Use

For raw use, slice or dice and add to salsas and toppings. For roasting, blister on a comal or under a broiler until charred, then peel if desired. For pickled jalapeños (en escabeche), slice and simmer in vinegar with carrots, onions, and herbs. Remove seeds and veins to significantly reduce heat.

Common Uses

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