Description
Seeds Per Pack - 20
Grow your Own Jalapeno Peppers
The Jalapeno is a medium-sized hot pepper from the species Capsicum annuum. Originating in Mexico where it remains a staple food, it is one of the most widely-used chilli peppers. It can be used in a variety of dishes and is a popular topping for pizzas, nachos and tacos. The name is Spanish for ‘from Xalapa’, the state capital of Veracruz, Mexico.
Jalapeno peppers have a mild to moderate heat level, measuring between 2,500 and 8,000 in Scoville Heat Units. If you love spicy food then keep in mind that they’re far milder than cayenne peppers or serrano peppers.
Mature jalapeno peppers measure about 5-10cm long. At this point they will be pod-like in shape. They are traditionally used for pickling while still green, and this is probably how most people visualise them. However, if left to ripen fully the jalapeno will turn red and the taste will become sweeter. This can take a bit more time so be patient. As you pick them the plant will continue to produce more.
When preparing jalapenos, they can be hollowed out and stuffed with a mixture of cheese, spices, or ground meat. These can then be breaded and deep fried to make Jalapeno poppers (or ‘Jalapeno bites’), an excellent snack or appetiser. Fresh jalapenos have a crisp texture similar to bell peppers. An alternative method is to pickle them, which gives them a softer texture. When jalapenos are smoked and dried they are known as chipotles. In fact this was how the Aztecs ate them! Some recipe ideas that jalapenos can be added to include tomato salsas, quesadillas and chicken and bean stew.
Jalapeno peppers are a rich source of Vitamin C, with one jalapeno providing roughly 20% of your recommended daily intake. Low in calories,they are also a good source of fibre, vitamin B6 and the antioxidant carotene. Their spicy quality comes from the compound capsaicin, which is an ingredient in many pain relief creams and ointments.
Notably the jalapeno was the first pepper to travel into space when they accompanied astronauts on NASA’s fifth space shuttle mission.
When growing jalapenos, they need plenty of direct sunlight, ideally 6-8 hours. Plant them in spring. They have a pretty fast growth rate of 3-4 months. Be careful not to over-water. The heat level of the jalapeno can be affected by growing conditions such as temperature, light and soil nutrition.
Sowing:
March to April in modules or on a heated bench, or in a propagator at a temp between 18º and 21º C. Transplant to 7.5cm pots after 4 weeks. Plamnt in final positions indoors no earlier than May.
Spacing:
50cm between plants, 50cm between rows.
