Jalapeños are a very popular type of pepper, known for their moderate heat and versatility in cooking. You can find them pickled, stuffed, sliced, and diced in cuisines around the world.
You’ve probably noticed that jalapeños come in two main colors: green and red. The difference in color is due to the pepper’s ripeness. Green jalapeños are unripe, while red jalapeños have been allowed to ripen fully on the vine.
This article will compare and contrast green vs red jalapeños in terms of their flavor, heat level, best uses in the kitchen, and how easy they are to find at your local grocery store.
What are jalapeño peppers?
Jalapeño peppers originated in Mexico, and now they’re popular all over the world. You can find them fresh, pickled, or dried in just about any grocery store.
Most of the time, jalapeños are around 2 to 3 inches long, and they have a smooth, shiny skin. When they’re young, they’re green. If you leave them on the vine longer, they turn red.
On the Scoville scale, which measures how spicy a pepper is, jalapeños usually rank somewhere between 2,500 and 8,000 SHU.
Green vs. Red: The Jalapeño Lifecycle
Jalapeños are typically harvested and sold while they’re still green, but like many peppers, they change color as they mature. If you leave a jalapeño on the vine long enough, it will eventually turn red. This color change happens because the pepper is producing more capsanthin, a natural pigment.
This ripening process affects the pepper’s flavor, heat level, and texture. Red jalapeños tend to be slightly sweeter and a little hotter than their green counterparts. They also have a softer texture.
Whether you prefer green or red jalapeños is really a matter of personal taste. Some people like the crisp bite and grassy flavor of green jalapeños, while others prefer the sweeter, spicier profile of the red ones.
Flavor and Texture Differences
The aging process affects not only the color of the jalapeño, but also its flavor and texture.
Green Jalapeños
Green jalapeños have a flavor described as grassy, bright, and sometimes a little bitter. If you like your food with a kick, but you’re not necessarily looking for sweetness, green jalapeños may be the way to go.
The texture of a green jalapeño is generally firmer and crisper than that of its fully ripened red counterpart.
Red Jalapeños
Red jalapeños are known to be sweeter and fruitier than green jalapeños.
The texture of a red jalapeño is typically softer, with less of a crisp snap than you’d experience with a green jalapeño. If you’re looking for a little sweetness along with the heat, a red jalapeño might be the best bet for you.
Are red jalapeños spicier?
That’s the big question, right?
The short answer is that red jalapeños might be a little spicier than green ones, but it’s not a sure thing.
A jalapeño’s spiciness depends on a few things, like how ripe it is, the conditions it was grown in, and the specific variety of pepper. As a jalapeño ripens, its capsaicin (the stuff that makes it hot) changes. So, you might get a milder red jalapeño and a fiery green one, depending on the pepper’s specific journey.
Culinary Uses: Green vs. Red
Do green and red jalapeños taste different? Absolutely! And that means they shine in different dishes. Here’s how to make the most of each.
Green Jalapeños
Green jalapeños are fantastic when you want that classic, bright jalapeño bite. Their firmer texture makes them ideal for:
- Pickling
- Salsas
- Relishes
- Jalapeño poppers
That sturdier texture means they won’t turn to mush in these applications.
Red Jalapeños
Red jalapeños bring a touch of sweetness and a slightly deeper heat to the table. Think about using them in:
- Hot sauces
- Fermented dishes
- Salsas (for a sweeter, more complex flavor)
Many hot sauce aficionados swear by red jalapeños for fermented pepper mashes, where their sweetness really comes through after the fermentation process.
Where can you find red jalapeños?
You’re more likely to find green jalapeños than red ones at your local supermarket. Green jalapeños last longer, which makes them a better bet for grocery stores.
If you’re looking for red jalapeños, try:
- farmer’s markets
- specialty grocery stores
- growing your own
If you can’t find red jalapeños, red Fresno peppers may be a good substitute. They have a similar heat level and a slightly fruitier flavor.
Growing your own jalapeños
If you’re looking for red jalapeños, the most reliable way to get them is to grow them yourself. Jalapeños are relatively easy to grow, and they can thrive indoors or outdoors.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- At least 6 hours of sunlight each day
- Temperatures between 70 and 85°F
- Regular watering
It’s also important to use high-quality seeds. Look for heirloom, non-GMO, open-pollinated, or non-hybrid seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are green jalapeños hotter than red?
Generally, red jalapeños are hotter than green jalapeños. This is because as jalapeños mature and ripen to red, they produce more capsaicin, the compound responsible for the pepper’s heat. So, if you’re looking for a milder spice, green jalapeños are usually the way to go.
Does the color of a jalapeño mean anything?
Yes, the color of a jalapeño indicates its maturity level. Green jalapeños are unripe, while red jalapeños are fully ripe. The color change also affects the pepper’s flavor profile, with red jalapeños having a slightly sweeter and fruitier taste in addition to being spicier.
Should you pick jalapeños when they are green or red?
The best time to pick jalapeños depends on your preferred flavor and heat level. If you prefer a milder pepper with a grassy flavor, harvest them when they’re green. For a spicier and slightly sweeter pepper, wait until they turn red. You can harvest jalapeños at any stage of color in between, too!
Can I use green jalapeño instead of red?
Absolutely! You can substitute green jalapeños for red jalapeños in most recipes. Just keep in mind that the green ones will have a milder heat and a slightly different flavor. You might need to adjust the amount you use depending on how much spice you want in your dish.
In Closing
Green and red jalapeños are more than just different colors. They offer distinct flavors, textures, and culinary possibilities. Green jalapeños deliver a brighter, crisper bite, while red jalapeños provide a sweeter, more complex heat.
Both green and red jalapeños bring something special to the table, so to speak.
The best way to discover your preference is to experiment with both varieties in your cooking. Whether you’re making salsa, pickling peppers, or adding a spicy kick to your favorite dish, green and red jalapeños offer a world of flavor waiting to be explored.