Jalapeño
5,000 SHU · Capsicum annuum
MediumHeat range
2,500 to 8,000 SHU. Typical: 5,000 SHU.
Individual peppers vary within this range based on growing conditions, ripeness, and genetic variation. See the Scoville scale guide for why the range matters.
Flavor and character
Jalapeño has flavors of bright, grassy, slightly sweet, clean heat.
The jalapeño is the most widely recognized hot pepper in the world and the gateway for most people into pepper heat. Fresh jalapeños have a bright, grassy flavor with clean, moderate heat concentrated in the white pith and seeds. Removing the pith drops the heat substantially. Red jalapeños are fully ripe, slightly sweeter, and often hotter than green ones. When smoke-dried, a ripe jalapeño becomes a chipotle. Heat varies considerably between individual peppers, even from the same plant, which is why some jalapeños barely register and others genuinely bite. Grocery store jalapeños tend toward the milder end because commercial cultivars are bred for consistency.
How it’s used
Jalapeño is commonly used in salsas, nachos, pickling, poppers, sliced raw.
What to use instead
These substitutions match heat, not flavor. Flavor character changes substantially between peppers. For custom quantities, use the substitution calculator.
Compare with another pepper
Other peppers to explore
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Jalapeño compared to a jalapeño?
Jalapeño and jalapeños are in a similar heat range. Jalapeño at 5,000 SHU is roughly comparable to a jalapeño at 5,000 SHU.
What does Jalapeño taste like?
Jalapeño has flavors of bright, grassy, slightly sweet, clean heat. Beyond the heat, these flavor notes distinguish it from other peppers at similar Scoville ratings.
Can I grow Jalapeño at home?
Yes. Jalapeño grows well in USDA zones 7+ and can be grown in containers in cooler zones. Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Full sun, moderate water, and well-drained soil produce the best results.
Is Jalapeño hotter than Hungarian Wax?
No. Hungarian Wax at 7,500 SHU typical is hotter than Jalapeño at 5,000 SHU. Compare them side by side on the comparison tool.
What's a good substitute for Jalapeño?
The closest substitutes are Serrano and Chipotle. These share similar heat ranges and compatible flavor profiles. For exact quantity ratios, use the substitution calculator.
What is Jalapeño's Scoville rating?
Jalapeño ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 SHU, with a typical measurement of 5,000 SHU. This range reflects natural variation in capsaicin production due to growing conditions, ripeness, and genetics.