Jalapeno White – a rare, pale beauty with great personality
What makes Jalapeno White special
Jalapeno White is a very unusual jalapeño variety with pale cream-coloured to almost white pods that ripen from green, to white and finally red
. Despite its pale exterior it has the same intense flavour as a green jalapeño – an exciting choice for anyone who wants to grow something unique.
Background and name
This unusual variant is thought to originate in the USA, where lighter phenotypes of jalapeño have been selectively grown. Today it is a collector’s favourite among chilli growers and an excellent talking point at the dinner table.
Appearance and growth habit
The plants grow about 70 cm tall and have a bushy, stable habit. The pods are somewhat smaller than ordinary jalapeños – 5 to 7 cm long – and ripen from light green to a milky white or pale yellowish tone.
Estimated Scoville heat
Approx. 3,500 – 5,000 SHU
Flavour and uses
The flavour is very similar to the standard jalapeño, but some find that Jalapeno White has a somewhat fruitier tone and a milder aftertaste. It therefore suits pickling or raw use in colourful salads especially well.
If you would rather have a dark and decorative jalapeño with a classic flavour, Jalapeno Purple is a good alternative.
Ways to use Jalapeno White
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Make pale pickles for tacos and burgers
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Perfect for stuffing for poppers with an unexpected twist
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Dried, it gives a pale and mild chilli powder
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Use as a garnish for pale dishes, fish or ceviche
How to grow Jalapeno White
Jalapeno White belongs to Capsicum annuum. Sow your chilli seeds between February and April. It is easy to grow, does well in both pots and the open ground, and gives a generous harvest early in the season.
The price is for 6 chilli seeds
Sow in moist seed compost and keep warm, at about 25–30°C for best germination The compost should be moist but not wet. A propagator helps to keep the air humid. Once the seedlings have grown a little and developed their second pair of leaves, you can lower the temperature to about 20°C and take them out of the propagator. They do well on a sunny windowsill, in a greenhouse and outdoors in summer. For best results, soak the seeds in Growhelper for 12–24 hours before sowing.
