Jalapeno Peppers

How to Select Jalapeno Peppers

  • Choose jalapeño peppers that are smooth and firm, free of any wrinkles. Avoid any with visible mold.
  • Jalapeño peppers grow spicier with age. If you’re looking for a pepper with some kick, look for ones with fine, woody growth lines or stretch marks. For a tamer pepper, find ones with young-looking, smooth skin.
  • Jalapeño peppers may be green or deep red in color – either is good to eat and cook with.

When are Jalapeno Peppers in Season?

Jalapeno peppers are typically in season during the summer months, from late June through August or early September, depending on the growing region. During this time, warm weather and long days provide ideal conditions for the peppers to mature and develop their signature heat and flavor. We love to add jalapenos to give our favorite dishes a kick of heat.

Varieties of Jalapeno Peppers

There are several types of jalapeno peppers in the United States, with variations in appearance, heat level, and flavor. Here are five of the most popular varieties of jalapeno peppers:

  • Early Jalapeno: This variety is a smaller jalapeno with a conical shape and thick walls. These peppers mature early in the season. They have a bright green color, a milder flavor than other jalapenos, and a slightly sweet taste.
  • Purple Jalapeno: This type of jalapeno is dark purple, which fades to red as the peppers mature. Purple Jalapenos have a slightly sweet, mild flavor, a smoky taste, and a medium heat level.
  • TAM Jalapeno: Developed by Texas A&M University, this variety is larger than most jalapenos, with thick flesh. The peppers have a deep green color, a medium heat level, and a slightly sweeter taste than traditional jalapenos.
  • Mucho Nacho Jalapeno: This jalapeno variety is thick, large, and has a slightly tapered shape. The peppers are bright green, have a medium heat level, and have a somewhat sweet taste.
  • Craig’s Grande Jalapeno: This is another large, thick jalapeno that has a slightly tapered shape. The peppers are bright green, have a medium heat level, and have a slightly smoky taste with a hint of sweetness.

Jalapeno Peppers Nutrition Facts & Benefits

Here are the nutritional facts for 1 ounce serving of jalapeno peppers:

  • Approx 4 calories
  • 0.1 grams of fat
  • 0.2 grams of protein
  • 0.9 grams of carbohydrates
  • 0.4 grams of natural sugar
  • 0.4 grams of fiber

Here are proven ways that iceberg lettuce can benefit your health:

How to Store Jalapeno Peppers

  • Jalapeño peppers can be stored in your refrigerator for one week, possibly up to two depending on the condition of the peppers.
  • Store jalapeño peppers in a paper or plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
  • Jalapeño peppers can be stored in the freezer for up to a year. To retain nutrients and texture, blanch the peppers before freezing in an airtight container. Whole or diced peppers may be frozen. You can also choose to remove the seeds, the pepper’s source of heat, before freezing.

How to Prepare Jalapeno Peppers

Here are our favorites ways to prepare jalapeno peppers:

  • Grilled: Grilled jalapeno peppers are a super popular appetizer or side dish. Brush the peppers with oil and grill them until they are lightly charred. Serve them with dipping sauces.
  • Stuffed:  Who doesn’t love a stuffed Jalapeno popper that can be stuffed with various fillings, like cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, or sausage? Cut the jalapeno peppers lengthwise, remove the seeds and membranes, fill them with your desired filling, and bake until hot and bubbly.
  • Pickled: Pickled jalapeno peppers add a spicy kick to your favorite dish. To make pickled jalapenos, slice the peppers and pack them into jars with vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Let the pickled jalapeno jars sit at room temperature for a few days, or store them in the refrigerator for several weeks.
  • Raw: Jalapeno peppers can be sliced or chopped and used as a topping for various dishes, like nachos, pizzas, or chili. Add them to salsas, guacamole, or other dips for a spicy boost.

How to Serve Jalapeno Peppers