Is A Jalapeño A Vegetable?
Jalapenos are a spicy, green chili pepper widely used in Mexican cuisine. But what many people may not know is that jalapenos are, in fact, considered a vegetable!
The History of the Jalapeño
The jalapeno is a cultivar of a large species of chili pepper known as Capsicum annuum. This species grew wild in regions ranging from South America to the southwestern United States. It wasn’t until sometime later that the jalapeno as we now know it was cultivated to be even spicier by Mexican farmers.
Is a Jalapeño a Vegetable?
Yes! In the culinary world, “vegetable” is an umbrella term for any edible plant matter that is not considered a fruit or a grain. This means that, despite its spicy taste, the jalapeno is still technically a vegetable.
Uses of Jalapeños
Jalapenos can be used in a wide variety of dishes. They can be sliced and eaten raw, pickled, or added to soups, stews, and casseroles. They can also be cooked down into hot sauces or even breaded and deep-fried. Here are some ways to use them in your cooking:
- Chips & Salsa: Slice jalapeños into small pieces and use them to make a spicy salsa. Serve with your favorite type of chips!
- Salads & Tacos: Chop and mix jalapeños into salads or tacos for an extra kick of flavor.
- Hot sauce: Simmer jalapeños with other peppers, onions, and vinegar to create a flavorful hot sauce or salsa.
Conclusion
The jalapeno is a spicy and versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is an ideal ingredient for those looking to add a bit of heat to their cooking. So the next time you are wondering whether or not a jalapeno is a vegetable, you know the answer is a resounding yes!
