When it comes to peppers, there‘s a crazy amount of varieties to choose from that each have their own special qualities. Two of the most popular peppers used by people around the world are the banana peppers and jalapeño peppers. Today we’ll be delving into their heat levels, flavors and uses to help you make an informed decision on which you should choose.
| Banana pepper | Jalapeño pepper | |
| SHU | 0 - 500 | 2,500 - 8,000 |
| Median SHU | 250 | 5,250 |
| Flavor | Sweet and tangy, with a mild heat | Grassy, vegetale, slightly sweet, and moderately spicy |
| Species | Capsicum annuum | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | South America (believed) | Mexico |
| Uses | Pickling, stuffing, roasting, grilling, salads, etc. | Salsas, guacamole, nachos, jalapeño poppers, etc. |
Table of contents
What are Banana Peppers?
Banana peppers are believed to have originated in South America, where they‘ve been grown for thousands of years. They were then brought to Europe and North America during the 15th and 16th centuries by Spanish and Portuguese explorers. These days they‘re grown in a number of countries, including the United States, Mexico, and Spain.
They have a thin and elongated shape like a banana, hence the name, and they grow to about 4-6 inches in length. Banana peppers can be found in varying degrees of spiciness, from mild to medium, typically ranging from 0 to 500 on the Scoville scale.
They‘re widely used in various cuisines worldwide, especially Italian, Greek, and Mexican. In Italian cuisine, banana peppers are commonly used in antipasto platters, pizzas, and pasta salads. For Greek cuisine, they are used as a meze or side dish and are a staple in gyros and souvlaki. In Mexican cuisine, they are a common ingredient in salsas and guacamole.
Aside from being used fresh or pickled, banana peppers can also be stuffed with tons of different fillings, including cheese, meat, and rice, and baked for a delicious appetizer. The dried and ground version of the pepper can easily be added to spice blends, marinades, and rubs for a burst of flavor.
The best part is that banana peppers are easy to grow, making them a popular choice for home gardeners. They thrive in warm weather and can be harvested throughout the summer months.
What is a Jalapeno?
Jalapeño peppers have a cool history that goes back hundreds of years. They‘re named after the city of Xalapa, which is the capital of the Veracruz region of Mexico. It’s believed that these peppers were first cultivated by the Aztecs over 6,000 years ago and were used largely for medicinal purposes. Today, they’re absolutely a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine. They’re also pretty popular in other parts of the world for their spicy kick.
With a spice level ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 on the Scoville scale, these guys are significantly hotter than banana peppers. Jalapeños are a good source of vitamins C and B6, making them a smart item to add to your diet.
Want a little less spice? Take out the seeds and ribs before you use them. That’s where the bulk of the capsaicin is. Their fleshy texture and dark green skin make them a colorful, versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes, from burgers and pizzas to traditional Mexican dishes.
You’ll find that jalapenos are also easy to grow at home, as long as you give them plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures.
Similarities between Banana Peppers and Jalapeño peppers?
Banana peppers and jalapeño peppers do share some similarities despite their drastic differences in flavor and heat levels. Both are members of the Capsicum annuum species, which includes other popular chili peppers such as bell peppers, cayenne peppers, and paprika. This means that they’ve got similar shapes as well as texture.
Both of these peppers are used in various forms: fresh, pickled, dried, and even powdered.
They can be used to make salsa, hot sauce, and chili, and can easily be added to dishes like nachos, quesadillas, and chili con carne. They can also be roasted or even grilled to bring another side of flavor.
What about the differences?
The most noticeable difference between these two peppers is definitely their heat level. Banana peppers are known for having a lower heat, which makes them great for those who don‘t like spicy foods. On the other hand, jalapeños have a medium heat level that‘s significantly spicier.
Banana peppers can add a subtle sweetness and tanginess to dishes without overwhelming the other flavors, making them a great choice for those who prefer a gentle heat with a fun flavor boost. Jalapeños bring a very noticeable heat to any dish, and their distinct earthy, grassy, and slightly sweet flavor makes them a popular choice for many dishes.
Another difference between these two spicy snacks is the way they look. Banana peppers are longer and thinner, sort of like a small banana. They‘re usually a bright yellow or green color when they’re picked. Jalapeños are shorter and thicker than banana peppers and have a smooth, shiny surface. They’re generally a deep green color.
So, which pepper is better?
Choosing between banana peppers and jalapeños definitely comes down to personal taste and how much heat you can handle. If you prefer a mild flavor with little to no heat, banana peppers are a fantastic choice. However, if you’re looking for a spicy kick to add to your dishes, jalapeños are the way to go. Both peppers can add unique flavors to your meals, and experimenting with different combinations can lead to exciting new culinary creations!
FAQ about Banana peppers and Jalapeño
What‘s the Scoville scale?
The Scoville scale is a way to measure the heat level of chili peppers. It was made up by American pharmacist Wilbur Scoville in 1912, and it‘s based on the amount of capsaicin, which is the component that makes peppers feel hot.
Are banana peppers and jalapeños healthy to eat?
Most definitely! Both peppers are a good source of vitamins and nutrients, especially vitamin C and B6.
Can I substitute banana peppers for jalapeños in a recipe?
It really depends on the recipe and your personal preferences. If you want to reduce the heat level of a dish, substituting jalapeños for banana peppers can work. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the dish may be different, as banana peppers have a sweet and tangy flavor compared to jalapeños' hot and slightly sweet, grassy flavor.
Can I grow these peppers at home?
Oh, absolutely! Both peppers are pretty easy to grow as long as you live somewhere warm! They’ll need plenty of sun and just the right amount of water.
How can I use banana peppers and jalapeños when I‘m cooking?
So many options here! They can both be used in a ton of ways, fresh, pickled, or dried. If you want just a smidgen of heat and a tangy taste, banana peppers will be great for that. You can stuff those bad boys with cheese or other fillings and bake them for a filling snack, too. Jalapeños are commonly used in a ton of things in Mexican cuisine to bring on the heat.