How Hot Is a Jalapeno Pepper? (Jalapeno Pepper Scoville)

This article may contain affiliate links and if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Jalapeno peppers are a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world, known for their unique flavor and spicy kick. But just how hot is a jalapeno pepper?

Jalapeños fall in the range of 2,000 to 8,000 Scoville heat units (SHU), which may sound like a lot, but it really isn’t! Compared to cayenne peppers, which measures approximately 30,000 to 50,000 SHU, jalapeños are pretty mellow.

In this article, we will explore the heat level of jalapeno peppers, including their Scoville rating, which measures the spiciness of peppers. We will also discuss the factors that can affect the heat level of jalapenos, such as their age, color, and growing conditions.

Additionally, we will provide some tips on how to reduce the heat of jalapenos for those who prefer milder flavors. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just curious about the heat level of jalapenos, this article will provide you with all the information you need to know.

Which Is Hotter Habanero or Jalapeno?

Jalapeños measures around 2,000 to 8,000 on the Scoville heat scale. This means they fall under the category of medium-hot peppers. This is totally different from habaneros which range from 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville heat units, placing them in the category of super-hot peppers.

To put the difference in heat level between habanero and jalapeños peppers into scale – the hottest habanero would be 140 TIMES hotter than the mildest jalapeño. This is a big heat difference and might be surprising to those who think jalapeños are a lot hotter than they really are.

Jalapeños also differ from habanero in taste; although significantly hotter, habaneros have a slightly sweet hint. This makes them work so well in hot sauces, especially for recipes containing sweet ingredients like tropical fruits.

Jalapeños, on the other hand, has a much crisper taste that is closely similar to the taste of green bell pepper. There are also dried and roasted variants of jalapeños (otherwise known as chipotle) which have an earthy taste perfect for barbecue and marinades.

Which Color Jalapeno Is Hottest?

There are different colors of jalapeños ranging from green to red hues. There isn’t any significant difference in heat level between the various colors of jalapeño peppers, but they are just indicators of age.

Red and green jalapeño are the same pepper, just that green jalapeño was harvested early in the ripening process, while a red jalapeño is left on the vine to mature.

As jalapeños ripen, they turn red just like other chilies. This is a lengthy process that causes many jalapeños to be multi-hued; they become various shades of green and red during the aging process.

Is a Red Jalapeño Spicier Than a Green Jalapeño?

Yes, red jalapeno is typically spicier than a green jalapeño because the additional ripening on the vine increases the capsaicin content in the pepper.

Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the spiciness of hot peppers. This is not to say a ripened red jalapeño measures higher than its typical range on the Scoville scale (2,500 – 8,000 Scoville heat units).

Still, they are likely to sit at the top level of the unit compared to a younger green-colored jalapeño.

How Long Will Jalapenos Last In The Fridge?

How long your jalapeño will last in the fridge completely depends on their form and how the peppers are stored.

You can store fresh jalapeño at room temperature for about 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep the fresh jalapenos in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks.

If you have sliced jalapeños, note that they may not last very long in the refrigerator, they typically last only 2 to 4 days. It is recommended to store the peppers whole and slice or chop them shortly before use.

You can also store your jalapenos by freezing them; this is a great way to prolong their shelf life, and frozen jalapenos can stay fresh for 6 to 8 months.

Pickling is another way to preserve jalapenos peppers; you can make home-canned pickled jalapenos, which should be good to consume within a year as long as you follow the correct canning procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Scoville rating of a jalapeno pepper?

The Scoville rating of a jalapeno pepper can range from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville heat units (SHU), depending on its growing conditions and maturity.

Are all jalapeno peppers the same heat level?

No, the heat level of jalapeno peppers can vary depending on factors such as their age, color, and growing conditions.

How can I reduce the heat of a jalapeno pepper?

You can reduce the heat of a jalapeno pepper by removing the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the capsaicin that gives the pepper its heat. You can also cook or roast the pepper, which can mellow out its spiciness.

What are some foods that pair well with jalapeno peppers?

Jalapeno peppers pair well with a variety of foods, including cheese, meat, seafood, and vegetables. They are a popular ingredient in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, and can be used in dishes like salsa, guacamole, and chili.

Are jalapeno peppers healthy?

Yes, jalapeno peppers are a good source of vitamins C and B6, as well as folate and potassium. They also contain capsaicin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Conclusion: How Hot Is a Jalapeno Pepper?

As you can see, jalapeno peppers are not as hot as many thinks. At just 2000 to 8000 SHU, they don’t even come anywhere close to the world’s hottest peppers.

Therefore, if you were scared of Jalapeños before now, you don’t have to be anymore as they are really mellow with just a slight kick.