The Jalapeño (Capsicum Annuum) is probably the mostly widely known chilli variety in the world. The chilli gets its name from the town of Jalapa in the Mexican state of Veracruz. The fruits are typically conical, thick-walled and usually they are sold and used when they are green. They usually ripen to red and often develop a distinctive ‘corking’ pattern (light coloured marks) as they reach full size. Fresh Jalapenos are great in salsas, thinly sliced for nachos or pizza toppings, or pickled to preserve them. When ripe, they are often smoked and dried and are then called Chipotle and used to flavour sauces, soups and stews.
