Jalapeno vs. Chili: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 13, 2024
Jalapeno is a medium-sized, moderately spicy pepper, while chili refers broadly to any spicy pepper or a dish made from these peppers.
Key Differences
Jalapenos are a specific type of chili pepper known for their moderate heat and distinct flavor. In contrast, the term chili encompasses a wide range of spicy peppers, varying greatly in heat, size, and flavor.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Originating from Mexico, jalapenos are a staple in Mexican cuisine and have become popular worldwide. The term chili, however, can refer to both chili peppers of various kinds and a spicy stew made with chili peppers and other ingredients.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Jalapenos are typically green when immature and turn red as they ripen, offering a heat level that is noticeable but not overwhelming. Different types of chili peppers can range from mild to extremely hot, such as bell peppers and ghost peppers.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
In cooking, jalapenos are often used fresh, pickled, or smoked (chipotle). Meanwhile, chilis are used in diverse culinary ways, including fresh, dried, powdered, or as a key ingredient in sauces and dishes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
While jalapenos have a Scoville heat rating ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 units, chili peppers can vary widely on the Scoville scale, from zero (bell peppers) to over 2 million (Carolina Reaper).
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Jan 13, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Type
Specific type of chili pepper
Broad category of spicy peppers or dishes
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Jan 13, 2024
Heat Level
Moderate (2,500 - 8,000 Scoville units)
Varies widely (0 - 2+ million Scoville)
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Jan 13, 2024
Common Uses
Fresh, pickled, smoked (chipotle)
Fresh, dried, powdered, in sauces/dishes
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Jan 13, 2024
Culinary Influence
Strong in Mexican cuisine
Used globally in diverse cuisines
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Jan 13, 2024
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Jalapeno and Chili Definitions
Jalapeno
Jalapenos are green when unripe and turn red upon maturing.
The jalapenos in my garden have just turned red.
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Dec 18, 2023
Chili
Chilis are used worldwide in various cuisines for spicing up dishes.
This Thai curry uses a variety of chilis for complex flavors.
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Dec 18, 2023
Jalapeno
Jalapenos have a distinct, crisp flavor with moderate heat.
These jalapenos add just the right amount of heat to the dish.
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Dec 18, 2023
Chili
Chili peppers vary in size, color, and heat intensity.
The chili I chose was surprisingly hotter than expected.
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Dec 18, 2023
Jalapeno
A jalapeno is a medium-sized, moderately spicy chili pepper.
I added sliced jalapenos to the salsa for extra flavor.
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Dec 18, 2023
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Chili
Chilis can be eaten fresh, dried, or as a spice powder.
I garnished the soup with a sprinkle of chili powder.
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Dec 18, 2023
Jalapeno
Jalapenos can be eaten fresh, pickled, or smoked (as chipotle).
I prefer pickled jalapenos on my sandwiches.
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Dec 18, 2023
Chili
The pungent fresh or dried fruit of any of several cultivated varieties of capsicum, used especially as a flavoring in cooking. Also called chili pepper.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Jalapeno
Jalapenos are often used in Mexican dishes for a spicy kick.
Jalapenos are a key ingredient in my favorite taco recipe.
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Dec 18, 2023
Chili
A stew made of meat or beans (or both) and usually tomatoes, spiced with chili peppers or chili powder.
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Dec 13, 2023
Jalapeno
A cultivar of the tropical pepper Capsicum annuum having a very pungent green or red fruit.
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Dec 13, 2023
Chili
(countable) The pungent, spicy fresh or dried fruit of any of several cultivated varieties of capsicum peppers, used in cooking.
Chili pepper
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Dec 13, 2023
Chili
(uncountable) Powdered chili pepper, used as a spice or flavouring in cooking.
Chili powder
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Dec 13, 2023
Chili
(Indian Chinese cuisine) A spicy stew of chicken or paneer, capsicum and onion, eaten as an appetizer.
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Dec 13, 2023
Jalapeno
Plant bearing very hot and finely tapering long peppers; usually red
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Dec 13, 2023
Chili
A dish made with chili peppers and other ingredients, such as beans and beef.
Chili con carne
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Chili
Ground beef and chili peppers or chili powder often with tomatoes and kidney beans
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Dec 13, 2023
Chili
Chili refers to any spicy pepper or a stew made with them.
I'm making a hot chili for dinner tonight.
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Dec 18, 2023
Chili
The heat level of chilis is measured on the Scoville scale.
The Scoville rating indicates how hot this chili is.
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Dec 18, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can you eat jalapenos raw?
Yes, jalapenos can be eaten raw, often sliced in salads or salsas.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
What's the difference in heat between jalapenos and other chilis?
Jalapenos have a moderate heat level, while other chilis can range from mild to extremely hot.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
What is a jalapeno?
A jalapeno is a moderately hot chili pepper commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
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Jan 13, 2024
Are chilis used in desserts?
Some chilis, like milder varieties, can be used in desserts for a unique flavor.
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Jan 13, 2024
Are jalapenos hotter than other chilis?
Jalapenos are moderate in heat compared to many other chili varieties.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
What does 'chili' refer to?
Chili can refer to any spicy pepper or a dish made with spicy peppers.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
What dishes are jalapenos commonly used in?
Jalapenos are commonly used in Mexican dishes like tacos, salsas, and nachos.
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Jan 13, 2024
Can you grow jalapenos at home?
Yes, jalapenos can be grown in gardens or containers.
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Jan 13, 2024
Can chili peppers be dried and stored?
Yes, chili peppers can be dried for long-term storage and used as spices.
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Jan 13, 2024
Is chili powder made from jalapenos?
Chili powder can be made from different types of chilis, not just jalapenos.
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Jan 13, 2024
What are the health benefits of eating jalapenos or chilis?
Both jalapenos and chilis are high in vitamins and may have various health benefits.
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Jan 13, 2024
Can jalapenos be pickled?
Yes, jalapenos are often pickled and used as a condiment.
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Jan 13, 2024
How do you store jalapenos?
Jalapenos can be stored in the refrigerator, either whole or sliced.
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Jan 13, 2024
Are jalapenos used in non-Mexican cuisines?
Yes, jalapenos are used in various cuisines around the world.
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Jan 13, 2024
Are there different types of chili?
Yes, there are many types of chili peppers, each with unique flavors and heat levels.
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Jan 13, 2024
Do all chilis turn red when ripe?
Many chilis turn red upon ripening, but some may turn other colors.
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Jan 13, 2024
What is the best way to reduce the heat of jalapenos?
Removing the seeds and membranes can reduce the heat of jalapenos.
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Jan 13, 2024
Do jalapenos and chilis have the same nutritional value?
Their nutritional value can vary, but both are generally high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
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Jan 13, 2024
How do you handle the heat after touching jalapenos or chilis?
Washing hands with soap and avoiding touching sensitive areas like eyes is recommended.
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Jan 13, 2024
Can eating chili peppers aid in weight loss?
Some studies suggest that the capsaicin in chili peppers may aid in weight loss, though effects may vary.
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Jan 13, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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