Throughout the centuries, meat served as fuel for settlers, knights, and warriors. The Jalapeño was too nearby, but fueled different fires and, therefore, didn’t receive the recognition it so rightfully deserved.
The Jalapeño pepper is one of the world’s most famous spicy chili peppers. This beautiful spice is produced in substantial numbers in Mexico and is used in various cuisines worldwide. They are also one of the best peppers to grow in the comfort of your own home, thanks to the easy maintenance they require.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the wonder that is Jalapeño, and find out everything we need to know about this delicious spice – including why we American’s are utterly obsessed with it.
The History of Jalapeno
The origin of Jalapeño dates back thousands of years in -you guessed it- Mexico. Many have reported that Ancient Aztecs were the first to ever use Jalapeño, but they didn’t consume the pepper. Oh no, they dried it and smoked it instead. (We know, it’s crazy!)
In Mexico, sits over a whopping 160 kilometers of land that is still dedicated to the growing of jalapeños in the country. We have also seen jalapeños grow right here in the United States, particularly the southwestern states of Texas and New Mexico, which of course, do border Mexico.
While jalapeños do grow in the U.S, the cultivation is nowhere near the same scope as Mexico. In fact, there are only around 22 square kilometers dedicated to growing jalapeño peppers in the U.S.
The Scoville Unit Range of Heat Levels
Jalapeno Fun Facts
In today’s world, we’re blessed with the internet. And, with the internet, comes a lot of fun facts about everything from current events, to the history of cheese, and of course, everything we need to know about jalapeño.
Let’s check out a list of Jalapeño fun facts. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
- The Jalapeño is a medium-sized chili pepper pod type cultivar of the species Capsicum annuum.
- China, Peru, Spain, and India are also producers of popular chilies, including Jalapeños.
- Ancient Aztecs were reportedly the first to use jalapeños, but they dried and smoked the peppers rather than eating them.
- August 19th is National Hot & Spicy Food Day.
- It is of mild to medium pungency, 2,500 and 10,000 Scoville units in general.
- After harvest, if Jalapeños are stored at 45°F they have a shelf life of up to 3-5 weeks.
- Jalapeños were the first peppers that traveled into space on a NASA shuttle.
- Nutritionally speaking, jalapenos are one of the best sources of vitamin C.
- Jalapeño aids in the fight to lower blood pressure, fight migraine headaches, and can even help some to lose weight.
- The best jalapeño jerky is available right here at Jeff’s Famous.
Okay, so maybe that last one wasn’t found on the internet, but it doesn’t make it any less accurate! After all, technically, you’re finding this fact on the internet. Right?
Let’s move on and find out why we Americans are just so obsessed with jalapeño, and why people go crazy over our jalapeño beef jerky.
Why is America SO Obsessed with Jalapeno?
In America, the jalapeño is the king of spices. Its versatile and tempered heat suits our melting pot cuisine, vanishes in our mouth, and satisfies our cravings like no other.
Its 2 to 4-inch-long pods, along with the iconic green it boasts, has transcended traditional south of the border recipes immensely. Jalapeños are now found in a myriad of preparations in the south, and around the U.S as a whole.
In today’s world, chefs, jerky enthusiasts, and brands have tinkered with the taste of traditional jalapeño, in order to create a taste combination like no other.
Once again – you’ve guessed it – It’s none other than jalapeño beef jerky!
