The word "jalapeno" is a common word used to describe a type of chili pepper used in many different cuisines. The spelling of "jalapeno" is interesting because it can be difficult to get right. The word is pronounced as /hæləˈpeɪnjoʊ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The tricky part is that the "j" is silent, and the "e" is pronounced as an "a." With this in mind, the spelling of "jalapeno" becomes easier to understand and remember.
Jalapeno refers to a small chili pepper variety that is known for its moderate to hot level of spiciness. It is a member of the Capsicum annuum species and is commonly used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. The word "jalapeno" originates from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs, with "xalapa" meaning "place of sand" or "sandy place," which is a reference to the town of Xalapa in Veracruz, Mexico, where this pepper was initially cultivated.
The jalapeno pepper typically measures around 2 to 3.5 inches in length and has a deep green color, although it can turn red or yellow when fully ripened. It is characterized by a thick flesh, a slightly curved shape, and a tapering tip. The heat of jalapenos can vary, but they generally fall within the range of 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville heat units, making them milder than some of the more intense chili peppers.
Jalapenos are often used in a variety of culinary applications, including salsas, sauces, dips, and marinades. They can be consumed raw, pickled, or roasted, lending their unique flavor and heat to dishes. When cooked, the jalapeno's spiciness may mellow out, providing a pleasant balance of heat and flavor.
Due to its popularity, jalapenos are now widely available in grocery stores worldwide, both fresh and canned. They are highly versatile, adding a zesty kick to various recipes and contributing to the overall complexity of different cuisines.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "jalapeno" comes from Spanish. It is derived from the Spanish word "jalapeño", which is a diminutive form of "jalapeño pepper". The term "jalapeño" itself has its origin in Nahuatl, the language spoken by the Aztecs. In Nahuatl, the word for this pepper was "xalapēnōlli".