Fresno Pepper

 

Fresno pepper is a capsicum cultivar, belonging to the Capsicum annuum species. It is also known as chile caribe and chile cera in Mexico and the Spanish speaking areas of USA. It turns bright red in color on ripening and is used to make ceviches and salsas. The quality of the chili powder obtained by grinding this particular type of pepper is not of high quality as the pepper does not  dry well, and  it is rarely used in that form.

 

The pepper is very similar to the jalapeno but is characterized by a thinner skin. It is one of the commonest forms of chilies grown in USA, with the immature green colored ones being used to impart flavor to various dishes. The ripe, red colored pepper is hotter than the jalapeno and is highly popular as an ingredient of salsa dips.

 

The chili was introduced by Clarence Brown in 1952 who named it after the Californian City of Fresno.

 

 

Charecteristics of Fresno Pepper

The chile caribe grows to about two to three inches in length with a diameter roughly equal to an inch. It is bright green in color when immature and turns red on ripening. The heat of the chili ranges from 2500-10,000 on the Scoville scale.  They are usually grown in summer with the red ones being available all through the fall season in USA.

 

 

Popular Fresno Pepper Recipes

The green Fresno pepper is used to flavor soups, stews, and chili dishes while the mature form is traditionally used to add spice to salsas and ceviches.

 

Some of the most popular recipes that use chile caribe as an ingredient are:-

  • Pickled Chilies- Hot pickling liquid seasoned with salt and sugar is poured over the chilies which are preserved in a jar. Several herbs are also added to the pickle for flavor.
     
  • Corn & Chili Salsa- A salsa dip prepared with tomatoes and roasted corn which uses minced red, Fresno chilies, and white onion blended together with limejuice and cilantro. It is usually served with tortilla chips.

 

 

Health Benefits of Fresno Pepper

  • The peppers are considered to be beneficial for health and are a low-calorie food with very little sodium content.
     
  • It is rich in vitamins C and B with substantial quantities of riboflavin, magnesium, iron and niacin.

 

 

Trivia

Canned Fresno Chilies are labeled as hot chili peppers in USA.