Jalapenos are a variety of spicy Chili Pepper native to Mexico. They are pronounced hah-lah-PEH-nyoh. Though they can be used in a variety of ways from jalapeno poppers, salsa, jelly, pickled, pico de gallo, cornbread, nachos, stuffed with peanut butter or cream cheese or to popping a fresh one in your mouth to accompany your meal.
Jalapeno History
Link to Salmonella
Following an investigation into the largest food borne illness outbreak in over a decade, jalapeno peppers were named as one of the possible sources of salmonella poisoning that caused over 1,250 Americans and Canadians to fall ill in 2008.http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/22/us/22salmonella.html
Jalapeno Serving Suggestions
- Sliced jalapenos can be cooked with foods such as nachos, burritos, and enchiladas, or added as a garnish after cooking.
- Most of the heat is in the seeds and the fibers, so clean and discard the insides of the jalapeno for a milder taste.http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/tip_how_to_check_for_the_hotness_of_jalapenos/
Pico de Gallo Recipe
This video show how to make Pico de gallo, a condiment made of chopped fresh vegetable with some spices that is served with tortilla chips, nachos, tacos, burritos, fajitas, and anything else you would like.
Ingredients needed to make Pico de Gallo: 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped, 1/2 red onion, finely chopped, 1/2 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (more if you like it hot), 1 medium clove of garlic, minced, juice of one lime (or 2 tablespoons lime juice), 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt (sea salt), or regular salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or regular pepper.
In a medium bowl, mix chopped tomatoes, chopped red onion, chopped jalapeno pepper, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Mix together well. Pour into a serving dish, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 or more hours.
Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Ingredients needed: 16 jalapeno peppers, 16 oz. cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbs. chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbs. vegetable oil, 3/4 cup beer, 1/4 cup milk and 1 egg white. Boil jalapenos in salted water for approximately 10 minutes. Drain and cover with ice and let cool. In a food processor, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese and cilantro. Fill pastry bag with mixture or a zip lock bag with one corner cut off. Put in refrigerator until ready to use. After peppers are cooled, slice lengthwise down one side only. Scrape out seeds and membrane. Begin to fill each pepper with mixture. Do not overfill. Put in refrigerator. Prepare batter by sifting the baking powder with flour, put in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle of the flour, add oil and beer, stir with a wooden spoon. Gradually add milk until mixed, do not over mix. Let batter stand for 30-35 minutes, until thickened. In a bowl, whisk egg whites till stiff peaks form. Gently fold stiff whites into batter, using wooden spoon, until combined. Roll peppers in flour, then dip in batter, turning to ...
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
5,500 acres in the U.S. dedicated to jalapeno cultivation
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Fact:
May be anti-carcinogenic
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Fact:
Most U.S. jalapenos are grown in Texas and New Mexico
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Fact:
Though they are usually sold while green,;jalapenos turn red at the end of the growing season
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Fact:
Red jalapenos are often used in chipotles
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Fact:
Jalapenos with hite striations may be hotter than smooth jalapenos
