Green chiles and jalapeno peppers are two of the most popular chili peppers in the world. They both have a spicy, earthy flavor that is loved by millions of people. But which one is better? In this definitive guide, we will compare green chiles vs jalapenos and help you decide which one is right for you!
Green Mexican Pepper Types
- Poblano: These heart-shaped green chiles have a mild, meaty flavor and are typically used in dishes like chiles rellenos.
- Ancho: These are the dried version of poblano peppers and have a deep, rich flavor. They’re often used in mole sauces.
- Cascabel: Also known as rattlebox peppers, these green chiles get their name from the fact that the seeds inside rattle when you shake them. They have a slightly sweet taste with a touch of heat.
- Serrano: These small but mighty peppers pack quite a bit of heat. They’re often used in salsa or as a garnish on dishes like ceviche.
- Jalapeño: One of the most popular green peppers, jalapeños have a medium level of heat. They’re often used in dips and salsas or as a topping on nachos.
- Habanero: These green chiles are some of the hottest out there. Use them sparingly in dishes if you can’t handle the heat!
- Annaheim: Also known as California green chiles, these peppers have a milder flavor than most other green chiles. They’re often used in dishes like chili verde or enchiladas.
Sweet and Hot Peppers: the Difference
Peppers (Capsicum annuum) are divided into two major groups — sweet peppers and hot peppers. What is the difference?
Sweet peppers have thick, flavorful walls and a sweet taste, whereas hot peppers have thinner walls and a spicy, pungent flavor. The difference between sweet and hot peppers is due to the presence of capsaicin. Capsaicin is the compound that gives peppers their heat. Sweet peppers don’t have any capsaicin, while hot peppers have varying amounts, depending on the type of pepper. That’s why sweet peppers are typically used in dishes where you want a sweetness or green flavor, while hot peppers are used when you want to add some spice.
- Name
All green peppers that are hot, including “Anaheim” (Capsicum annuum “Anaheim”), “Jalapeño” (Capsicum annuum “Jalapeño”) and “Cayenne” (Capsicum annuum “Cayenne”), are included in the green chili group. There is no difference between a green chili and a jalapeno in terms of botany. Fresh, pickled or cooked green chilies and jalapenos are all options.
Green chiles have a slightly sweet flavor with a moderate amount of heat. Anaheim peppers are the mildest of the green chile group, while jalapenos and cayenne peppers are much hotter. Green chili and canned chiles are both manufactured in Annaheim. These mild peppers may be used in large amounts in recipes since they have such a strong flavor. Jalapeños are spicier and are more frequently added to dishes as a condiment than as a main component.
- Heat
The heat of jalapeños differs from that of green chiles. The amount of heat varies depending on the chili type, weather, and growing conditions, but generally speaking, jalapeños are far spicier than green chiles. The Scoville scale is a scientific tool for measuring chili spice intensity based on capsaicinoids in peppers. -The amount of heat varies depending on the chili type, weather, and growing conditions, but generally speaking, jalapeños are far spicier than green chiles. Jalapenos have between 2,500 and 5,000 Scoville units, and measure a 5 out of 10 in heat. “Anaheim” chilis rate only 2 or 3 on the scale. Jalapenos aren’t the hottest chiles by a long shot, though. “Habanero” (Capsicum annuum “Habanero”) pepper has up to 300,000 Scoville units and rates a 10 on the heat scale.
- Size
Another distinction between old green chiles, such as “Anaheim” and “NuMex Big Jim” (Capsicum annuum “NuMex Big Jim”), and “Jalapeño” peppers is their size. Anaheim chiles are large, mild green chili peppers. “NuMex Big Jim” is an extra-large green chili pepper. Jalapeño peppers are small to medium in size and have a fiery hot taste.
- Way of Eating
Green chiles are used in dishes where you want a sweetness or green flavor, while jalapenos are used when you want to add some spice. Jalapeños are spicier and are more frequently added to dishes as a condiment than as a main component.
Green chilies are often roasted before being eaten. The skin on green chilies is blackened during the roasting, which is then removed, and the chili has a smoky taste as a result. Fresh jalapeos should always be chopped rather than minced; otherwise, their heat will overpower other flavors in your dish.
What’s the verdict?
When it comes to green chiles vs jalapeno peppers, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a pepper. If you want something with a lot of flavor and a moderate amount of heat, then green chiles are the way to go. If you’re looking for something that packs a little more of a punch, then jalapeños are the peppers for you. And if you’re looking for the hottest of the hot, then habanero peppers are where it’s at. No matter what kind of pepper you choose, just make sure to handle them with care – they pack quite a bit of heat!