Red Jalapeno Flakes (pronounced "haa-luh-pay-nyow"), Capsicum annuum, are also called dried red jalapeno, jalapeno flakes, or jalapeno red pepper flakes.

What are Red Jalapeno Flakes

Red Jalapeno Flakes are similar to the more common Crushed Red Pepper Flakes but are from dried jalapeno chiles. Red Jalapeno Flakes are a bit hard to come by even though jalapeno peppers are the most common chile pepper used in the U.S. Most fresh jalapenos are picked when they are still green in color, and only a select few are left on the plant to fully ripen. At this point, the peppers turn a deep crimson red; at that point, the decision must be made to let them dry as jalapenos, or smoke them and turn them into Chipotle Chiles. Jalapeno flakes can be used to add a bit of kick to chili, pizza, soups and stews.

Where Are Red Jalapeno Flakes From

Mexico.

What Do Red Jalapeno Flakes Taste Like

Much like Green Jalapeno Flakes, Red Jalapeno Flakes retain a grassy, vegetal initial flavor and some sharp heat. However, because they are permitted to ripen on the vine they also have a bit of a berry-like sweetness to help mellow the heat. The heat itself comes on a little bit later than that of a green jalapeno, building toward the end instead of delivering a sharp, biting heat right away.

How Hot Are Red Jalapeno Flakes

These chiles are considered a medium heat chile, coming in at between 2500 and 8000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

How Do I Use Red Jalapeno Flakes

You can use Red Jalapeno Flakes in much the same way that you use Green Jalapeno Flakes. Stir them into Roasted Tomato Salsa or a tart, green Salsa Verde. Add a pop of red color to Oaxacan Guacamole.  Or use them as a surprise ingredient in Honey and Soy Glazed Chicken or as a boost of heat in Balsamic Pork Chops. Garnish your favorite pizza with their mellow heat, toss into the batter for cornbread, or spike your western omelet with a touch of jalapeno spice.

Can I Substitute Red Jalapeno Flakes for Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Yes. While you can certainly substitute Red Jalapeno Flakes for red pepper flakes you should be aware that these are not the same thing. Jalapeno Flakes are milder and considered a medium heat chile flake at 2500 - 8000 SHU, and also have a bit more flavor. Red Pepper Flakes are considered a hot heat chile flake at 30000 - 35000 SHU and are used mainly for their heat since they don’t deliver much flavor.

Jalapeno Powder Substitution

Approximately ¾ - 1-1/2 teaspoons is equal to one fresh jalapeno (knowing that sizes of jalapenos can vary greatly).

References

1. Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Jalapeño. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved January 17, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jalapeno

2. Morton, M. (2004). Cupboard love: A dictionary of culinary curiosities (2nd ed). Insomniac Press.

3. Smithsonian Institution. (2007, February 16). Americans Cultivated And Traded Chili Peppers 6,000 Years Ago. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 14, 2022 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070215144334.htm

4. Powis, T. G., Gallaga Murrieta, E., Lesure, R., Lopez Bravo, R., Grivetti, L., Kucera, H., & Gaikwad, N. W. (2013). Prehispanic use of chili peppers in Chiapas, Mexico. PloS one, 8(11), e79013. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0079013

5. Encyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.) History of Mexico City. In Brittanica.com encyclopedia. Retrieved January 17, 2022 from https://www.britannica.com/place/Mexico-City/History

6. Vann, M. (2012, August 26). Chipotle chiles: The history of chipotle chiles is rich and flavorful. The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved January 17, 2022 from https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/food/2012-08-26/chipotle-chiles/

7. America’s Test Kitchen. (n.d.) Mole sauce: What it is, where it comes from, and how to make it. In Americastestkitchen.com articles. Retrieved January 17, 2022 from https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/1057-all-about-mole-what-it-is-where-it-comes-from-and-how-to-make-it

8. Dewitt, D. (2017) Ancho and poblano peppers: The pepper pantry (2nd ed). Terra Nova Books.