What Is A Jalapeño Pepper?
A jalapeno pepper is a fruit of the Capsicum pod type. It is a medium sized hot pepper when compared to other chili peppers, measuring an average of 2-3.5 inches in length but growing up to 6 inches long or longer.
While originating in Mexico, it is now grown worldwide for it’s popular flavor and mild heat level, which averages around 5,000 Scoville Heat Units. That is hot, but not too hot.
You’ll find them served when green, but if you leave the jalapeno pepper on the plant long enough, it will turn red. The red variety are just as delicious as the green jalapeno pepper, though a touch sweeter.
The Meaning Of Jalapeno
The name “jalapeno” is Spanish for “Jalapa” (or Xalapa), the capital of Veracruz, Mexico. Jalapenos were originally grown there, hence the name.
Other Names For Jalapeno
- Huachinango – the ripe red jalapeno
- Chile Gordo – “Fat Chili Pepper”
- Cuaresmeño
- Chipotle Pepper – a smoked jalapeno pepper
Anatomy Of A Jalapeño Pepper
About The Jalapeno Plants
A mature jalapeno pepper plant measures 2-3 feet in height and will typically produce around 30-40 jalapeno pepper pods. If you grow them in your own garden, pick them regularly, as the plant will continue to produce.
The Health Benefits Of Jalapeno Peppers
A typical jalapeno pepper packs more vitamin C than an orange, so if you need your extra C, grab a jalapeno.
How much vitamin C, you ask? A single 14 gram jalapeno pepper contains 10% of your daily needs. According to Nutrition Data, a single 73 gram chili pepper contains 83%.
Jalapenos and other spicy chili peppers can also help you lose or control your weight.
Capsaicin, the chemical that makes chili peppers hot, is a thermogenic. Thermogenics stimulate the body’s burning of fat by increasing the metabolism of the body’s adipose tissue, generating heat.
For losing weight, a smart and healthy move is to drop fatty foods and replace them with some chili pepper spice, along with the inclusion of regular exercise, of course.
