Serrano pepper

Serranochilis

Starr 070730-7846 Capsicum annuum

Serrano pepper is a type of chili pepper that originates from the mountainous regions of the Mexican states of Puebla and Hidalgo. The name "serrano" is derived from the Spanish word "sierra," which means mountain. Serrano peppers are known for their vibrant green color, which turns red, brown, orange, or yellow as they ripen. They are small to medium in size, typically about 1 to 4 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide. Serrano peppers are hotter than jalapeño peppers but not as hot as habanero peppers, with a Scoville heat unit (SHU) rating ranging from 10,000 to 23,000.

Description

Serrano peppers have a crisp, bright flavor with a spicy kick, making them a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine and various salsas and hot sauces. Unlike jalapeños, serranos are commonly used fresh in dishes. They can be chopped into salsas, sliced for garnishes, or minced into sauces to add a fresh, spicy flavor. When dried, they are known as chili seco.

Cultivation

Serrano peppers are grown in various parts of Mexico and the United States. They prefer warm climates and are more tolerant of heat and drought than some other chili varieties. The plants are bushy and can grow up to 5 feet tall, producing a high yield of peppers. Serrano peppers are typically harvested while green, although they can be left on the plant to mature to red or other colors.

Culinary Uses

In culinary applications, serrano peppers are versatile. They are often used raw in dishes to preserve their crisp texture and spicy flavor. Common uses include salsas, pico de gallo, guacamole, and as a topping for tacos and other Mexican dishes. They can also be roasted, grilled, or pickled for different flavor profiles and uses.

Nutritional Value

Serrano peppers are low in calories and rich in vitamins C and A, which are antioxidants that help protect the body against free radicals. They also contain potassium and fiber. The capsaicin in serrano peppers, which gives them their heat, has been shown to have various health benefits, including pain relief and improving heart health.

Scoville Heat Units

The heat of serrano peppers can vary significantly depending on the growing conditions, ripeness, and individual pepper. On the Scoville scale, they range from 10,000 to 23,000 SHU, making them significantly hotter than jalapeños, which average around 2,500 to 8,000 SHU.

See Also

• Capsicum
• Scoville scale
• Mexican cuisine
• Chili pepper