Jalapeno vs. Anaheim — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 29, 2024
Jalapeños are medium-sized, spicy chili peppers integral to Mexican cuisine; Anaheim peppers are milder, larger, and feature prominently in Southwestern U.S. dishes.
Difference Between Jalapeno and Anaheim
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Key Differences
Jalapeños are small to medium-sized chili peppers known for their moderate to significant heat and dark green color when unripe. They are commonly used in Mexican dishes like salsas and nachos. Anaheims, originating from New Mexico, are larger, have a milder flavor, and often appear light green, making them popular in dishes requiring less spice, like chiles rellenos.
While jalapeños generally range from 2,500 to 8,000 on the Scoville scale, which measures capsaicin content or spice level, Anaheims are milder, typically scoring between 500 to 2,500. This makes jalapeños a favorite for those seeking a spicy kick, whereas Anaheims are preferred for their mild warmth and versatility in various recipes.
Jalapeños are often eaten raw, added to recipes for a sharp, piquant flavor, or processed into sauces and dips. Anaheims are frequently roasted and peeled, which enhances their sweet, mild flavor, making them suitable for stuffing with meats and cheeses.
In terms of availability, jalapeños are ubiquitous in supermarkets around the world, reflecting their global popularity. Anaheims, although widely available in the United States, especially the Southwest, might not be as common internationally.
Regarding cultivation, jalapeños thrive in warm climates and are a staple in gardens across Mexico and the United States. Anaheim peppers also prefer warm weather and are particularly associated with the cuisine of the American Southwest, often grown in California and New Mexico.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Small to medium
Larger
Color
Typically dark green when unripe
Light green
Spice Level
2,500 to 8,000 Scoville units
500 to 2,500 Scoville units
Common Uses
Salsas, nachos, spicy dishes
Chiles rellenos, mild dishes
Flavor
Spicy, sharp
Mild, slightly sweet
Compare with Definitions
Jalapeno
Commonly used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Jalapeño poppers are a popular appetizer at Tex-Mex restaurants.
Anaheim
A mild, large chili pepper.
She stuffed the Anaheims with cheese and baked them.
Jalapeno
Eaten both raw and cooked.
He sliced raw jalapeños for the salad.
Anaheim
Frequently used in Southwestern U.S. cuisine.
Anaheim peppers are essential for making mild chiles rellenos.
Jalapeno
Often pickled or smoked (chipotle).
She garnished the taco with pickled jalapeños.
Anaheim
Typically roasted to enhance flavor.
He roasted Anaheims to bring out their sweetness.
Jalapeno
Integral in spicy sauces.
The chef used jalapeños to spice up the barbecue sauce.
Anaheim
Less spicy, making them versatile in dishes.
She added chopped Anaheims to the casserole for a mild heat.
Jalapeno
A medium-sized chili pepper known for its heat.
He added jalapeños to the salsa for an extra kick.
Anaheim
Suited for stuffing due to their size.
The menu featured Anaheims stuffed with meat and rice.
Jalapeno
A cultivar of the tropical pepper Capsicum annuum having a very pungent green or red fruit.
Anaheim
A cultivar of the tropical pepper Capsicum annuum having long, tapering, mildly pungent green or red fruit.
Jalapeno
The fruit of this plant.
Anaheim
(rare) Anaheim
Jalapeno
Alternative spelling of jalapeño
Anaheim
A city in southern California (southeast of Los Angeles); site of Disneyland
Jalapeno
Plant bearing very hot and finely tapering long peppers; usually red
Jalapeno
Hot green or red pepper of southwestern United States and Mexico
Common Curiosities
Which pepper is spicier, jalapeño or Anaheim?
Jalapeños are significantly spicier than Anaheim peppers.
What is a typical dish using Anaheim peppers?
A typical dish is chiles rellenos, where the peppers are stuffed and often covered with a sauce.
Are jalapeños ever used in desserts?
Yes, jalapeños can be used in desserts, like in spicy chocolate cakes or candies, to add a unique heat.
What is the best way to store fresh Anaheim peppers?
Store them in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer where they can last for several days.
Can Anaheim peppers be used as a substitute for jalapeños?
Anaheim peppers can substitute jalapeños if a milder flavor is desired.
What makes Anaheim peppers particularly good for stuffing?
Their larger size and milder flavor make them ideal for stuffing with a variety of fillings.
Is there a difference in the way these peppers are grown?
Both peppers thrive in warm climates but jalapeños are more commonly grown in a wider variety of regions globally.
How can I reduce the heat of a jalapeño in cooking?
Removing the seeds and membranes can significantly reduce the heat of jalapeños in dishes.
Do Anaheim peppers come in other colors?
Yes, while they are typically green, Anaheims can turn red when fully ripe.
How do the flavors of these peppers change when cooked?
Cooking jalapeños often enhances their piquancy, while roasting Anaheims brings out a sweetness.
Are jalapeños healthy?
Yes, jalapeños are rich in vitamins C and A and may provide health benefits like improved digestion and metabolism.
Can jalapeños be eaten raw?
Yes, they are often consumed raw in salads, salsas, and as garnishes.
What are the nutritional benefits of Anaheim peppers?
Anaheims are low in calories and rich in vitamins C and A, promoting good health.
How are these peppers typically processed for commercial sale?
Jalapeños are often sold fresh, pickled, or smoked, while Anaheims are typically sold fresh or roasted.
What are some creative ways to use Anaheim peppers in cooking?
Anaheims can be used in stir-fries, pastas, or as a flavorful addition to grilled foods.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
