Red Jalapeno Pepper | Red Jalapeño

Red Jalapeño Pepper

Species:  Capsicum annuum
Heat Level:  8,000 SHU (Scoville heat units)

The Red Jalapeño pepper is the fully ripened form of the familiar green jalapeño. As the pepper matures on the plant, it changes from green to bright red, developing a sweeter flavor, richer aroma, and often a slightly higher heat level.

While green jalapeños are harvested earlier for their crisp texture and fresh taste, red jalapeños remain on the plant longer, allowing their natural sugars to develop. This extended ripening creates a sweeter, fruitier flavor while maintaining the classic jalapeño heat that ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units. The exact heat level varies depending on growing conditions and maturity.

Red jalapeños are widely used in hot sauces, salsas, smoked chipotle production, pickling, grilling, and Mexican cuisine. Their sweeter flavor makes them especially popular in sauces and roasted dishes where a balance of heat and sweetness is desired.

The peppers typically grow 2–4 inches long and mature from glossy green to vibrant red. They are easy to grow, highly productive, and suitable for both container gardening and traditional garden beds.

Whether used fresh, roasted, stuffed, pickled, or smoked into chipotle peppers, Red Jalapeños provide a versatile combination of moderate heat, sweetness, and classic chili flavor that has made them one of the world’s most popular pepper varieties.