You may have heard discussions about a jalapeno vs. chipotle comparison. That’s because they’re both hot peppers and have a lot in common. In fact, a question you may hear a lot is, “Can jalapeno and chipotle peppers be used interchangeably?”.
This article looks at the similarities and differences between jalapeno and chipotle peppers. Make sure you read to the end to learn everything you need to know before using them in your next dish.
What are jalapeno peppers?
The jalapeno is a type of wild pepper. It has a vibrant green hue that looks relatively fresh and delicious. However, as it begins to mature, it begins to turn bright red.
Because it’s so low in the pungent compound called capsaicin, it’s not overly hot. That doesn’t mean it has no heat at all. In fact, its heat level is just perfect for certain dishes.
This pepper is widely used in Mexican cuisine. And several nutrients can be found in them. They are a good source of vitamins and fiber and are low in calories. Jalapenos are also packed with antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to any dish.
What are chipotle peppers?
Chipotle pepper is a product made from smoked, ripe jalapeno peppers. The red jalapeno peppers are smoked in special chambers or grills before use. And the smoking process transforms the taste of the jalapenos into something completely new.
This spicy product is common in numerous Mexican dishes. And it’s a staple ingredient in Southwestern and Tex-Mex cuisine. As such, you’ll often find chipotle peppers in homemade dishes or commercial products.
Chipotle are characterized by their characteristic smoky flavor due to the lengthy smoking process. Therefore, this pepper is known worldwide for its incredible taste.
Jalapenos vs Chipotle: What’s the Difference?
While they are similar, there are a few distinguishing traits that deserve mentioning in this Jalapeno vs Chipotle comparison. They are:
production
The jalapeno pepper is a natural product that is harvested directly from the Capsicum annuum plant when it is still green. While chipotle peppers are essentially jalapeno peppers, they are slightly different.
The chipotle pepper is made from the ripened red jalapeno pepper. It is then smoked for days to produce a slightly spicy, sweet and smoky pepper.
heat
Capsaicin, the chemical that makes peppers hot, becomes more concentrated as the pepper dries. This means that a thoroughly dried chipotle will be hotter than the fresh red jalapeno from which it is extracted. On the contrary, jalapenos are only slightly spicy and not as hot as chipotle peppers.
The appearance
Chipotle peppers are wrinkled and dark in color after the peppers have been dried. These peppers don’t look like jalapenos due to their rusty red hue and larger profile caused by flattening.
Most jalapenos are harvested when they are still green, before they fully mature. Their length ranges from about 2.5 to 3 inches. They also have a cylindrical, bowl-like shape that tapers at the base to a rounded tip. As they grow to their full red color, they retain that shape.
Taste
Jalapeno peppers add a mild spiciness to your dish with a sweet, earthy flavor. And fresh they are crispy. On the other hand, chipotle peppers have a strong, sweet, and smoky flavor that’s perfect for certain dishes.
Conclusion
If you compare these ingredients, you can say that the taste is in the foreground. Replacing jalapenos with chipotle can ruin the meal if the dish doesn’t call for smoke.
And removing the smoky flavor and extra heat of substituting chipotle for jalapenos might not work either. Now that we’ve explored the comparison between jalapeno and chipotle, choosing the best peppers for your dish shouldn’t be a problem.