Habaneros vs. Jalapeños: Compari two of the most popular peppers

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Habaneros and jalapeños are two of the most beloved chili peppers in the US. Read on to uncover their similarities and differences to empower your culinary adventures with these iconic peppers.

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Both habaneros and jalapeños belong to the chili pepper family and possess a level of spiciness. These peppers are frequently used in similar culinary applications, such as being incorporated into hot sauces and salsas.

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Which is hotter?

Cream Section Separator Habaneros pack a considerably more intense punch in terms of spiciness than jalapeños. Specifically, orange habaneros can reach an impressive 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), compared to jalapeños at 2,500-10,000 SHU. Learn more

Habaneros and jalapeños belong to different species within the Capsicum genus. Habaneros fall under the category of Capsicum Chinense, while jalapeños are categorized as Capsicum Annuum.

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Flavor profiles

Cream Section Separator Habaneros are celebrated for their unique combination of heat and sweetness, often exhibiting a pronounced fruity undertone. Jalapeños, on the other hand, are bright and grassy, especially when consumed in their green state. Learn more

Substituting habaneros for jalapeños, or vice versa, should be approached with caution due to the significant differences between these two chili peppers. It’s essential to understand that such a substitution will result in a notable change in flavor and spiciness in your dish.

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