Chile Pepper Of The Week: Jalapeno
Did you know the jalapeno chile is named after the city of Jalapa in Veracruz, Mexico? Even though the pepper is no longer commercially grown there, we should be thankful to the city that started it all.
The Plant
Jalapeno plants usually grow from two and a half to three feet tall. The leaves are light to dark green and measure about three inches long and two inches wide. The brown streaks, or "corking" on the pods are desirable in Mexico but not so in the Uniter States.
Agriculture
In Mexico, commercial cultivation measures approximately 40,000 acres in three main agricultural zones. Approximately 60 percent of the Mexican jalapeno crop is used for processing, 20 percent for fresh consumption, and 20 percent in production of chipotle chiles and smoke jalapenos.
In the United States, approximately 5,500 acres are under cultivation, with New Mexico the leading state for jalapeno production, followed by Texas.
Usage
Jalapenos are one of the most famous chile peppers. They are instantly recognizable and a considerable mythology has sprung up about them, particularly in Texas. Many jalapenos are used straight out of the garden in salsas and other household recipes.
Green Chile Co
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