Ask someone to name a spicy Mexican pepper and chances are they'll say "jalapeño" first. Yet there are still many misconceptions about this popular chili pepper. Is a red jalapeño spicier than a green one? Is chipotle a different pepper? And how do you use jalapeño granulate in the kitchen?

In this guide you will discover everything about the jalapeño: from its origin and flavor to the differences between the green and red variants. You will also read when to choose fresh jalapeño, when dried granulate is more convenient, and which dishes pair perfectly with this versatile pepper.

What is a jalapeño?

The jalapeño is a medium-hot chili pepper from Mexico and belongs to the species Capsicum annuum. The name refers to the Mexican city of Xalapa (formerly written as Jalapa), where the pepper has been cultivated for centuries.

What makes the jalapeño so popular is the combination of flavor and heat. While some chili peppers mainly add a lot of heat, jalapeño also brings a fresh, slightly