Fresh Jalapeno Pepper

The fresh jalapeño pepper is a medium-sized chili pepper, a cultivar of the plant *Capsicum annuum*. Originating in Mexico, it is now grown worldwide. It is typically harvested when green and can be eaten fresh, pickled, or cooked.

Jalapeños are primarily used to add a spicy, pungent flavor to foods. They are a popular ingredient in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, appearing in dishes like salsas, nachos, chili, and stuffed peppers. They are also used in pickles, relishes, and as a topping for pizzas and appetizers.

Fresh jalapeño peppers are a vegetable and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food. They contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat, which may have some health benefits at typical consumption levels, such as potential anti-inflammatory effects. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated capsaicin and other chili pepper components. Evidence on the health effects of capsaicin is ongoing, with some studies suggesting benefits and others noting potential gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive individuals at high doses.