Jalapeno is the January Harvest of the Month

Happy New Year! To start off a new decade, our Harvest of the Month comes from south of the border. It is a green, bold pepper originally from Mexico, and it is increasingly part of American recipes. This month we celebrate Jalapenos. During January you may find jalapenos on our salad bars, as well as in certain dishes available from our cafeterias.

Did You Know?

  • A popular hot sauce, sriracha is made from fully ripe red jalapenos.
  • When jalapenos are dried and smoked they become chipotle peppers.
  • A chipotle pepper in tomato sauce is called “en adobo,” which adds depth and increases the flavor profile of many dishes.
  • When the seeds and veins are removed from a jalapeno they become rather mild. This creates an opportunity to jazz up recipes by substituting jalapenos for bell peppers.

Try These Delicious Recipes

Breakfast Jalapeno and Egg Muffins
Jalapeno Hummus
Jalapeno Chicken

How to Buy and Store: Select jalapenos that are plump with a shiny outer skin. You can choose green jalapenos or the much spicier red ones (which are green jalapenos that have fully ripened). Place them in either a plastic or paper bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Making it Kid-Friendly: Jalapenos are spicier than most peppers served in American recipes – so they may be a bit much for some children (and adults). To decrease the heat of jalapenos, try these tips. First, remove the seeds and white connective fibers of the pepper before serving. Most of the heat lies in these areas. Or, pair them with dairy to reduce the sensation of heat — a popular example is putting both jalapenos and sour cream on nachos. Adding a little lime juice also helps counteract the heat of jalapenos.

Nutrition and Health Benefits: Jalapeno peppers are high in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that lowers free radical levels in our bodies. High free radical levels have been associated with inflammation and cancer. The capsaicin found in jalapenos is a natural pain reliever and it is often found in pain relieving rubs and patches.

Calories: 4Saturated Fat: 0g
Total Fat: 0gMonounsaturated Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 1gVitamin C: 16.6mg
Fiber: 0.4gProtein: 0g