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Peppers are the most consumed condiments in the world. With so many varieties of flavors and spices, there is something for everyone. Today we are going to talk about the jalapeño pepper, its qualities, benefits and recipes, to make the most of this wonder of biodiversity.
Characteristics and origin
According to agronomist Sabrina Isabel Costa de Carvalho, the jalapeño is the one that stands out the most among the types of pepper of the Capsicum family, native to America. In Brazil, it presents a great variability of colors and flavors, changing from light green to dark green, when the fruits are immature, to red, when they are ripe. You can also find varieties of yellow fruits. In all cases, the taste and bite are surprising.
The jalapeno pepper is the most popular in North America, considered one of the best peppers for the production of sauces. Its name honors the city of Xalapa, capital of Vera Cruz, Mexico, a country considered its main center of diversity.
In Brazil, most of the cultivated species are imported, mainly yellow fruits, from the United States. Red peppers have a higher degree of adaptation in Brazil, especially in the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast regions.
Jalapeño pepper benefits
According to Embrapa researcher Paula Rodrigues, the jalapeño pepper is a very beneficial vegetable for the body because it has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer actions. It also improves digestion, cholesterol levels and, because it has a thermogenic effect, that is, it speeds up metabolism and helps you lose weight.
Paula says in an Embrapa study that the jalapeño pepper is a functional food, rich in carbohydrates and dietary fibers, vitamins A, E and C, zinc and potassium folic acid.
The researcher also claims that the same burning principle, capsaicin, found in bell peppers of the Capsicum family, is used to relieve muscle pain, headaches, and rheumatoid arthritis. This is the same principle that is present in the composition of those famous patches that relieve muscle pain.
According to the researcher, studies indicate that peppers act in the prevention of heart disease. In the specific case of jalapeno peppers, they have antioxidant and bioflavanoid properties and even plant pigments that prevent cancer.
Jalapeño Chili Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of jalapeño pepper
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 3 tablespoons (dessert) brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon (dessert) xanthan gum
- 300 ml vinegar
- 1/2 liter of water
Elaboration:
Put all the ingredients except the xanthan gum in the blender. Beat for one minute. Pour into a pan and bring to a boil, always stirring for fifteen minutes. Sift the mixture. Beat the blender with the gum again. Then put it in a sterile container and out of the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Smoked jalapeño sauce recipe
Ingredients:
- 800g jalapeno peppers
- 1 liter of water
- 1 tablespoon shallow salt
- 160 ml vinegar
Elaboration:
First, grill the peppers to give them a smoky flavor. Then mix the roasted peppers with 1 liter of water for 1 minute and strain, reserving the remaining portion on the sieve. In a pan add the strained liquid, with the other ingredients and cook for about 15 minutes or until it thickens a little. Then add the sauce with the remaining strained pepper on the sieve and place in a sterile glass container. Lasts up to 6 months out of the refrigerator.
Canned jalapeño pepper recipe
Ingredients:
- 10 large jalapeno peppers
- ¾ cup of water
- ¾ cup of vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 spoon of sugar
Elaboration:
First, clean the peppers by removing the stem and the seeds inside. Handle with care to avoid burning your hands. Combine all ingredients in a sterile glass jar and wait 3-5 days for consumption.
Article in Portuguese
