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Sunday, April 21, 2024

Jalapeños Peppers

Origin: Jalapeños are medium-sized chili peppers, originally cultivated in Mexico . Their name comes from Xalapa, the capital city of Veracruz, Mexico. They have been around for thousands of years, with evidence of cultivation by indigenous peoples as early as 8000 BC.

Heat: Jalapeños are known for their moderate heat, ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) on the Scoville scale. For comparison, a bell pepper measures 0 SHU, while a habanero pepper can reach over 200,000 SHU. The heat comes from a compound called capsaicin, which is concentrated in the pith and seeds of the pepper.

Health benefits: Jalapeños are a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium and folate. They also contain capsaicin, which has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including boosting metabolism, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain.

Versatility: Jalapeños are a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed fresh, pickled, canned, or smoked. They are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine, but they can also be added to a variety of dishes, including pizzas, salads, and burgers. Jalapeños can also be stuffed with cheese or meat and fried.

Texas’s official pepper: Jalapeños are not just delicious, they’re also the official state pepper of Texas! The pepper was adopted as the state pepper in 1995.

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