Jalapenos, pronounced [hah-lah-pain-yoh], are a medium-sized chili pepper that originated in Mexico; the name jalapeno is derived from the Mexican city of Jalapa. A jalapeno plant grows from seed to plant in about 90 days. The plant grows to be 24 to 36 inches tall and thrives in temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, pickled jalapenos are less spicy than fresh ones. Pickling involves soaking food in an acidic solution to preserve it, and this procedure affects jalapenos by diluting the concentration of capsaicin (a chemical found in chili peppers responsible for the burning sensation we feel on our tongue) in the chili, making it less spicy.
The jalapeno is a popular chili pepper in both Mexico and the United States. Aside from cooking with fresh jalapenos, there are several other ways to prepare them for use. It could be roasted, smoked and dried, or pickled. Chipotle refers to jalapenos that have been dried and fried. Read on to learn more!
What Distinguishes Pickled Jalapenos From Fresh Jalapenos?
The mature jalapeno fruit can grow to be up to three inches long, with three primary layers: the outer layer, known as the exocarp or skin layer; the middle layer, known as the mesocarp, which absorbs water; and the inner layer, known as the endocarp, which surrounds the skin.
Apart from the spiciness, pickled jalapenos differ from fresh jalapenos in other ways. The table below compares and contrasts pickled jalapenos and fresh jalapenos.
| PICKLED JALAPENOS | FRESH JALAPENOS | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Soft | Crispy |
| Spice | Less spicy due to the dilution of capsaicin | More spicy |
| Preservation | Can be preserved for a long period of time | Cannot be preserved for a long period of time |
| Flavor | Vinegary | None |
The dilution of the chili concentration caused by pickling does not ruin the food, though the flavor profile may differ. Pickled jalapenos are best used in dishes that require acidity, such as salads, sandwiches, and salsas. Fresh jalapenos have a Scoville heat rating ranging from 2500 to 8000.
How To Make Your Own Pickled Jalapenos
Jalapenos are a good choice if you want your meal to be spicy and peppery because they contain capsaicin, a chemical compound in chili peppers that causes a burning sensation on the tongue. Jalapenos are typically picked when they are green; however, they are occasionally allowed to ripen and turn completely red.
A clean jar, jalapeno pepper, water, salt, and vinegar are all you need to make pickled jalapenos at home. The steps below will walk you through the process of making homemade pickled jalapenos.
Step 1: Select an Appropriate Jar
When you are making pickled jalapenos, you need to use jars that have lids that fit securely so that the pickling solution does not escape when the jar is shaken.
Step 2: Slice Your Peppers
The next thing you need to do is cut your jalapenos into round slices. At this point, you have two options: either take out the seeds or keep them in there, depending on how spicy you want your brine to be.
Step 3: Add Vinegar, Salt, and Water.
It is entirely up to you to determine the order in which these three ingredients should be added.
Step 4: Mix and Allow to Cool
After that, put the lid on your jar, screw it on as tightly as you can, and shake it to make sure that all of the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the liquid. After that, put the jar in the refrigerator to chill for at least eight hours.
Health Benefits Associated WithJalapenos Peppers
Assume you want to maintain the hot and spicy flavor in your meal. In that case, fresh jalapenos are preferable to pickled ones because pickling reduces the heat content of your pepper. Because of its numerous health benefits, the undiluted concentration of capsaicin in fresh jalapenos is a preferable option. These benefits are as follows:
High Nutritional Value
The high nutritional value of jalapenos can be attributed to their vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, manganese, fiber, and calories are all found in one raw jalapeno.
These vitamins are essential for a healthy body. There are numerous health benefits to taking vitamin C and folate, such as promoting hair growth and improving skin texture.
Promoting Weight Loss
Capsaicin, which is found in jalapenos, can help speed up your metabolism, which in turn makes it easier to shed unwanted pounds. When the body comes into contact with capsaicin, the hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for suppressing appetite, is secreted.
Because of these various factors, consumption of jalapenos has been linked to a significant reduction in body weight.
Helping In Fighting Infections
Compounds found in chili peppers, like those found in jalapenos and other varieties of hot peppers, inhibit the growth of yeasts and bacteria that may be present in food. This study demonstrates that chili peppers have properties that inhibit the growth of microbes.
Fun fact: The first peppers to travel aboard a NASA space shuttle were jalapenos. During NASA’s 5th shuttle mission in 1982, they went along with the astronauts as their companions!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Possible to Grow Jalapeno Peppers at Home?
Under the right conditions, you can grow a jalapeno plant at home. You need a neutral pH soil and lots of organic matter to get the best results from your seeds.
Why are My Pickled Jalapenos Mushy?
The length of time they are exposed to heat is what causes them to become soft and mushy, so don’t leave them to boil for too long.
When are Jalapenos the Hottest?
The older the jalapenos fruit, the hotter they are. The younger the pepper, the smoother and milder it is.
Final Thoughts
Both pickled and fresh jalapeno peppers are spicy and excellent for cooking, but before deciding which to use, consider how much chili your body can handle at one time. Pickled jalapenos are preferable to fresh jalapenos for those who are sensitive to chili. Enjoy your cooking!
