Jalapeno Chili Pepper

The jalapeno is a medium-sized chili pepper, a cultivar of the species *Capsicum annuum*. Native to Mexico, it is a popular pepper grown and consumed worldwide. It is typically harvested when green but can be left to ripen to red.

Jalapenos are primarily used to add a spicy, pungent flavor to foods. They are commonly found in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, as well as in snacks like chips, dips, and salsas. They can be used fresh, pickled, or dried.

Jalapeno peppers are a source of vitamins A and C, and contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat. The FDA considers jalapenos to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) when used as a food ingredient. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated capsaicinoids, but no specific health claims are attributed to typical dietary intake of jalapenos. Some individuals may experience digestive upset from spicy foods.