Jalapeños

Jalapeños are a type of spicy chili pepper originating from Mexico, widely used in Latin American and global cuisine to add flavor and a touch of heat to various dishes. Their name comes from the municipality of Xalapa, in the state of Veracruz, where this chili is especially common.

This chili is small to medium in size, generally green when fresh and red when ripe. Its flavor combines moderate spiciness with smooth and herbaceous notes, making it ideal for salsas, stews, marinades, pickles, and as an ingredient in typical dishes such as tacos, quesadillas, and guacamole.

Regarding their properties, jalapeños are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, especially capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spiciness, which has been associated with health benefits such as improved metabolism and anti-inflammatory properties.

Depending on the country, jalapeños may be known by different synonyms in Spanish throughout Latin America, although the most universal term is "jalapeño." In some regions, they are simply called "chile verde" or "chile jalapeño." However, in countries like Colombia, they are sometimes referred to as "ají jalapeño" to distinguish them from other types of ajíes or chilies.