Do you like spicy food? If so, then you’ll love raw jalapeno! This pepper is known for its intense heat and delicious flavor. Jalapeno is a staple in Mexican cuisine, but it can be enjoyed in dishes worldwide.
But can you eat raw jalapeno? The answer is yes, as long as you can handle the intense spiciness of capsaicin. You have to proceed with caution.
This blog post will discuss the health benefits and what you need to know about eating raw jalapeno.
Jalapeno peppers are a type of chili pepper that originated in Mexico. They are usually green but can also be red, yellow, or orange.
They are typically about 2-3 inches long and have a smooth, fleshy texture.
They have a distinctive flavor that is both spicy and sweet and can add tremendous flavor to dishes when used in cooking.
These peppers are commonly used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. They are also popular in other dishes, such as pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, salsas, and dips.
Can You Eat Raw Jalapeno?
Credit: canva
The answer is yes, as long as you can handle the intense spiciness of the capsaicin. Some can eat raw jalapeno, but others find it too spicy.
Proceed with caution! If you’re not a fan of spicy food, then you might want to avoid eating them raw.
However, the heat can be reduced by removing the seeds and white membrane inside the pepper before consuming it raw.
High in Capsaicin
Credit: canva
Capsaicin is the compound in peppers that give them their heat and spice. It has moderate capsaicin, making it quite spicy to some people.
Capsaicin is measured in Scoville heat units (SHU). The higher the SHU, the spicier the pepper.
Comparison:
Bell peppers have a SHU of 0.
Jalapenos fall in the middle, with a SHU of 2,500 to 8,000. So, as you can see, there’s quite a range.
Habaneros have a SHU of 350,000.
If you’re brave enough, start with a lower SHU. And be sure to have something nearby to drink in case the heat gets too much!
How to Cut
Cutting jalapeno peppers. Credit: canva
When cutting, it’s best to remove the seeds and white membrane inside as they contain the most heat. The oils that give the pepper its heat can get onto your skin and irritate it.
Wear gloves or a plastic bag to cover your hands before cutting into the pepper to prevent this.
If you happen to touch the pepper and feel burning on your skin, rub your hands with oil for 30 seconds, then rinse with soapy water. This can help remove the sting.
Capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, dissolves more readily in oil than water. Thus, counteracting the fiery effects of chili oil with vegetable oil, aloe vera lotion, or olive oil.
Raw ones can be sliced, diced, or chopped and added to dishes for a spicy kick. They can also be eaten whole as a snack or appetizer.
How to Eat It Raw
The best way to enjoy raw jalapeno is to remove the seeds and ribs first; this will help reduce the spiciness.
Cut the peppers and add them to your meal.
You can also try slicing them thin or soaking them in vinegar or lemon juice before eating them.
If you’re unsure if you can handle the heat, try just a tiny piece first!
Ideas
Nachos. Credit: canva
Here are a few ideas on how to do it:
Slice it in half, remove the seeds and membranes, then soak it in honey for an hour or so before eating. This will make it less spicy.
Mix chopped jalapeno with lime juice, diced onion, and fresh cilantro to make a salsa or relish.
Slice the pepper in half, remove the seeds, and dip it in some hummus or guacamole.
Add it to a salad or sandwich for some extra heat and flavor.
Sprinkle it on top of some eggs before cooking them.
FAQs
Can these jalapenos be used for canning or pickling?
They are perfect for canning or pickling because they have a nice, firm texture and not too much heat.
Can these jalapenos be cooked or eaten raw?
Yes, they can both be cooked or eaten raw. The only difference is how spicy they will be.
If you want to eat them raw, I suggest slicing them up and putting them in a salad or on a sandwich.
I recommend roasting them in the oven if you want to cook them. This will bring out their sweetness and make them less spicy.
How big are these jalapenos on average?
On average, they are about 2-3 inches in length and 1 inch in width.
Some peppers are much larger, while others are smaller. It all depends on the particular pepper variety. However, on average, they are medium-sized peppers.
Are these jalapenos grown organically?
No. Most are grown conventionally. If you’re looking for a healthier option, I recommend buying organic ones from a local farmers’ market or farm stand.
They will likely be more expensive than conventionally grown peppers, but they will be worth it in terms of the quality and taste of the product.
Can I freeze these jalapenos for later use?
Yes. You can freeze it later by blanching them in water for 30 seconds, then transferring them to a bowl of ice water. After they have cooled, you can store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When ready to use them, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.
Are these jalapenos hot or mild in terms of spiciness?
They have a medium heat level – they pack some spice but won’t overwhelm your palate.
Can I grow my jalapenos from the seeds in this package?
Yes, you can. They are a type of chili pepper, and like other chili peppers, they are easy to grow.
Start by planting the seeds in a pot or garden bed prepared with rich, well-drained soil. Make sure the soil is moist but not wet.
The seeds will germinate in 7 to 10 days if the temperature is 70 degrees F or higher. If the temperature is below 70 degrees F, the seeds may take a little longer to germinate.
When the plants reach 6 inches tall, transplant them into containers or another garden bed.
Be sure to give them plenty of room to grow, as the plants can reach up to 2 feet in height.
Water regularly and provide plenty of sunlight. It will take about 75 days for the peppers to fully mature and be ready for harvest.
