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Science & Nature • Botany

Jalapeño

The jalapeño is a medium-sized chilli pepper, a cultivated variety within *Capsicum annuum*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The jalapeño is a medium-sized chilli pepper, a cultivated variety within *Capsicum annuum*. It is native to Mexico and is known for its medium heat, thick flesh, and use in fresh, cooked, pickled, and smoked forms. The name is derived from Xalapa (Jalapa), Veracruz, Mexico.

Botany

Jalapeño is a cultivar group within *Capsicum annuum* in the family Solanaceae. It is a warm-season plant with compact growth, typically growing about 2 to 3 feet tall, and produces small white self-pollinating flowers. The fruits have thick, fleshy walls.

Origin and naming

The pepper originated in Mexico and takes its name from Xalapa, the capital of Veracruz, traditionally associated with its cultivation. It is now grown in many regions worldwide.

Fruit characteristics

Jalapeño fruits are generally 5–10 cm long and have a relatively thick, fleshy wall. They are commonly harvested when green, though they may turn red as they mature.

Cultivation and use

The plant grows best in warm conditions and full sun. Jalapeños are used fresh, cooked, pickled, and smoked; smoked jalapeños are known as chipotles.

Key facts

  • Jalapeños are a cultivated variety of Capsicum annuum, not a separate species.
  • They are native to Mexico, named after Xalapa in Veracruz.
  • Fruits are medium-hot, typically 2,500–8,000 SHU, and 5–10 cm long.
  • Commonly harvested green, but can ripen to red.
  • Smoked jalapeños are called chipotles.
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Canadian context

Jalapeños are widely sold and grown in Canada as a common culinary pepper, especially in home gardens, grocery produce sections, and food processing.

Frequently asked questions

Is a jalapeño a separate species?
No. It is a cultivated variety of *Capsicum annuum*, not a distinct species.
How hot is a jalapeño?
Jalapeños are usually rated around 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville heat units, placing them in the mild-to-medium range of chilli peppers.
Where did jalapeños originate?
They originated in Mexico and are named after Xalapa in Veracruz.
What family do jalapeños belong to?
They belong to the Solanaceae family, also called the nightshade family.
What is a chipotle?
A chipotle is a smoked, dried jalapeño pepper.

References

  1. NCBI — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?id=40321
    Supports: Taxonomic placement of jalapeño within *Capsicum annuum var. annuum*.
  2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — https://www.kew.org/plants/pepper
    Supports: Jalapeños belonging to the same species as other peppers such as bell peppers and cayenne peppers.
  3. National Parks Board (NParks) — https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/6/5/6521
    Supports: Family name Solanaceae and common name jalapeño.
  4. World Food and Wine — https://www.worldfoodwine.com/jalapeno
    Supports: Plant characteristics, fruit dimensions, growth habit, and heat range.
  5. Gardenia.net — https://www.gardenia.net/plant/capsicum-annuum-jalapeno
    Supports: Cultivation details, plant type, maturity timing, and growing conditions.
  6. Royal Horticultural Society — https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/383264/capsicum-annuum-var-annuum-longum-group-early-jalapeno/details
    Supports: Fruit description, ripening from green to red, and cultivar information.