Depending on your tolerance, you may have bought different varieties of peppers for your dishes, including Jalapeno peppers.
These peppers are among the most popular in the world, and you may have bought some that turned out to be duds, while others were extremely spicy. But how hot are Jalapenos compared to other peppers?
Experts use the Scoville Scale to determine how spicy or hot different peppers are. This scale uses capsaicin content (the substance that makes peppers hot) to determine the score.
The scores, referred to as Scoville heat units (SHU), range from zero to 1 Million. So, how hot are Jalapeno peppers on the Scoville Scale?
Jalapeno peppers range from 2000-9000 SHU on the Scoville Scale. That may sound high but other peppers, such as the Habanero Extra Hot, range from 100,000 to 300,000 SHU. Therefore, Jalapeno peppers are considered mild, although some varieties can also be quite spicy the higher they are on the scale.
Read on for more spicy details on this global pepper lovers’ favorite.
What Are Jalapeño Peppers?
Jalapeno peppers originate from Mexico. They are medium-sized and come in red, yellow, or green. They are sold either fresh from the garden or dried and smoked as chipotle. Chipotle also comes pickled and has a deep, sweet flavor.
Jalapenos are popular in Northern America because of their versatility. They are popularly used in all-purpose hot sauces and a variety of dishes. They are also never out of season, making them available all year round for use in all types of dishes.
About The Scoville Scale Heat Units (SHU)
The Scoville Score is named after its founder, Wilbur Scoville, who created the scale in 1912. The scale uses the capsaicinoid, or the spiciness of the peppers to determine how hot they are.
The test uses Scoville Scale Heat Units (SHU) as a measure of spiciness. Peppers with 500 Shu or lower are considered sweet. Mild peppers fall within a range of 100 to 2,500, medium from 2,500 to 30,000, and hot peppers are those at 30,000 to 100,000.
Additionally, the Scoville organoleptic test is a variation of the Scoville Score whereby people used to eat hot chillis test spiciness by eating the peppers.
Mildest Jalapeño Pepper On The Scoville Scale
Mild jalapenos are those considered within the standard jalapeno heat levels. They range between 500 and 8,000 on the Scoville Scale.
Chichimeca Jalapenos, mammoth, and TAM jalapenos are the mildest on the Scoville Scale.
Hottest Jalapeño Pepper On The Scoville Scale
The Senorita is among the hottest Jalapenos out there. With a Scoville Score of about 5000 SHU, these peppers come in beautiful bright colors to brighten up your garden and kitchen.
Another variety of Jalapenos with a high SHU score is the Biker Billy, named after the motorcyclist Billy Huffnagle. They range anywhere from 5,000 to 30,000 SHU, making them some of the hottest jalapenos out there.
What Is The Hottest Part Of A Jalapeno Pepper
You may be preparing a dish and want to avoid the hottest part of the jalapeno. The heat of pepper comes from capsaicin, which is mainly found in the seeds.
Consequently, the flesh closest to the seeds will be the hottest. The mildest part of the jalapeno will be the flesh farthest from the seeds.
What Pepper Is Less Hot Than A Jalapeno?
According to the Scoville Scale, the least spicy pepper is the bell pepper, a 0 SHU. The least spicy jalapeno is the Fresno Chile’ jalapeno, which reaches between 300 and 400 Scoville heat units (SHU).
Peppers lower than 300 SHU on the Scoville Scale include anaheim pepper. These peppers are mild enough that some people enjoy eating them raw.
Which Is Hotter, Cayenne Or Jalapeno?
Cayenne peppers are way hotter than jalapeno peppers, about 10 times hotter. Cayenne peppers score about 30,000 – 50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
Jalapeno Benefits
Eating jalapenos is a good treat not only for your taste buds but also for your health. Here are some great health benefits of Jalapenos;
1. Pain Relief
Capsaicin is a natural pain reliever. However, it only works if applied directly to the painful spot. But don’t rub jalapenos onto your skin; that burns. Use capsaicin ointments or powders to treat painful joints and sore muscles.
2. Longer Life
Jalapenos can help you live longer. This could be due to their ability to promote blood flow and regulate body weight, thus lowering the risk of obesity.
3. High Nutrient Content
Jalapenos come packed with vital nutrients for the body. These include fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and folate.
4. Weight Loss
Jalapenos can help you to lose weight. They do this by increasing metabolism and reducing appetite. Eating chili regularly is associated with a lower risk of obesity because chilies help the body to burn fat and reduce your appetite, making you eat less.
What Is A Substitute For Jalapeno Peppers
If you are looking for a great substitute for jalapeno peppers, the serrano pepper is your best bet. Also originating from Mexico, the serrano pepper packs a spicy punch for your favorite spicy meals.
Read Also: How Much Does a Gallon of Milk Weigh in lbs, Ounces, and Kgs?
How To Measure Scoville Units At Home
Without an official Scoville Score or a seasoned tester, it may be difficult to measure SHO at home. However, if you are an avid cook or have a vegetable garden and would like to know your peppers’ heat levels, there’s a simple tool you can use.
This pepper poster from Amazon lists all the varieties you will find at your local store and their SHU levels. It comes waterproof and fade-resistant. You can use it to check the heat levels of your peppers from the comfort of your home.
Alternatively, you can use the ChilliPot Scoville Meter, an easy device for measuring the hotness of the spiciness of your chili. Here’s a quick YouTube video for a full demonstration of how the ChilliPot Meter works.
Pingback: How Many Tablespoons is 1 Packet of Yeast?