Jalapeno, Capsicum annuum, is widely considered to be the most recognized chile in the US. Pronounced "ha lay pain yo", this chile is native to Mexico where it is known as "cuaresmenos" (meaning Lenten chile), "chile gordo" (fat chile) and "huachinango" (a specific cultivar of jalapeno that is red in color). It's named after the town of Xalapa (sometimes spelled as Jalapa) in the Mexican state of Veracruz.

We've had several requests for a red jalapeno powder to go with our top selling green jalapeno powder.
 

Green, Red and Smoked Jalapenos 

While most fresh jalapenos are picked when they are green in color, a select few are left on the plant until they are fully ripened at the end of the season. At this point, the peppers turn a deep crimson red and are then typically (but not always) dried and smoked. 

When dried and smoked, the jalapeno is called Chipotle. We carry both types of chipotles: the harder to find Chipotle "Meco" and the more common Chipotle "Morita". Dried, smoked jalapenos are quite popular and easy to find, while the unsmoked, dried green jalapeno is actually much more difficult to find and ground red jalapeno is darn near impossible to source (which is why we were so excited to find these).

 

Where to Use 

Some artisan hot sauce makers prefer using red jalapeños in their sauces. Even Sriracha Hot Sauce, one of the best known hot sauces in the world, uses red jalapeños as its base.

Our red jalapeno powder can be used in chili, corn bread, salsa, sauces, spice blends, stews, taco meat or sprinkled over chicken, eggs and pork chops.  

 

Flavor Profile 

With the recognizable earthy-grassy flavor found in green jalapeno chiles, this red jalapeno powder also has a hint of sweetness to it that the green variety does not possess. 

What's in It? 

Our Red Jalapeno Powder does contain silicone dioxide as an anti-caking agent. 

Heat Level 

Red Jalapenos are considered a medium heat chile coming in at between 12,000 and 30,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units). 

Conversions 

For a handy conversion approximately 1/2 - 1 teaspoon is equal to one fresh jalapeno (knowing that sizes of jalapenos can vary greatly).