The jalapeno was adopted as the Texas state pepper on May 10, 1995. Peppers were present in the diets of Native Americans in Central Mexico as early as 9,000 years ago. The jalapeno, the most popular pepper, measures in at 2,500 – 9,000 Scoville heat units depending on its growing conditions. On the Scoville scale, it is a relatively mild pepper in comparison to other peppers. Ingredients in the pepper also have medical benefits such as treating arthritis and nerve disorders. Texas leads the nation in jalapeno consumption and production. The legislature described it as “A culinary, economic, and medical blessing to the citizens of the Lone Star State, the jalapeno is widely recognized as an emblem of our state and is a distinctive reminder of our state’s unique heritage and diverse culture.”
