Jalapeñopoppers are a ubiquitous menu offering at a wide range of eateries, from low-key bar and grills to high-end restaurants. In fact, it would be no exaggeration to say thatjalapeñopoppers have become one of the most popular snacks in America. We would like to take a closer look at just what makes ajalapeñopopper ajalapeñopopper, as well as delve into the interesting history of this popular snack.
What is a Jalapeño Popper?
Before delving into the full history ofjalapeñopoppers, it may be helpful to define just what ajalapeñopopper is. At its simplest, ajalapeñopopper is a type of stuffed pepper. The pepper in question, naturally is ajalapeño, which has been cored and hollowed out. The interior of the pepper is then filled with a stuffing. In many cases, the filling consists simply of cream cheese.
Alternately, the popper may contain a mixture of cheeses and spices. In some cases, the stuffing may even contain ground meat. Thejalapeñois then breaded and deep fried to a rich golden brown color. Jalapeñopoppers are often served with a dipping sauce, which may vary from region to region. Ranch, blue cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce are all popular choices.
The popularity ofjalapeñopoppers stems in large part from their brilliant combination of ingredients. Whilejalapeñocan naturally be quite spicy, the cheesy filling helps to cut down on this heat, making the popper more palatable. The fried exterior gives the popper a nice crunch, while the inside has a deliciously creamy consistency.
Historic Origins
Jalapeñopoppers have a history slightly more mysterious and complicated than you might assume. The core ingredient — thejalapeñopepper — originated in what is now Central America and Mexico. The namejalapeñowas given to the pepper by the Spanish. Jalapeñoliterally “from Xalapa,” which is the capital of Veracruz.
Anybody who is fond of Mexican cuisine may be familiar with a dish known as chiles rellenos, which many people see as the original inspiration forjalapeñopoppers. Chiles rellenos are also a type of stuffed pepper, usually made with poblano peppers filled with a mixture of cheeses and then fried. Many food historians surmise that what we calljalapeñopoppers were also a simply an alternate variation of chiles rellenos.
Nobody is quite sure when or where the first modernjalapeñopoppers were served, although popular opinion seems to agree that the dish originated in Texas sometime around 1972. Of course, they weren’t calledjalapeñopoppers back then. Furthermore, those proto-jalapeñopoppers were usually wrapped in bacon or sausage, and went by the name of “armadillo eggs.”
Modern Day History
Jalapeñopoppers as you know them now probably originated sometime in the 1980s. What is certain is that, on April 30, 1992, the phrase “jalapeñopopper” was trademarked by Anchor Food Products. Heinz later acquired the name, and began to distribute pre-madejalapeñopoppers in a frozen form. All consumers had to do was deep fry the peppers until cooked.
Of course, by now the name “jalapeñopopper” has entered common parlance, and restaurants can serve the dish without fear of incurring lawsuits. Jalapeñopoppers have also continued to evolve in new and exciting ways, departing from the more simplistic recipe used in earlier days.
Chefs now experiment by stuffing their poppers with an array of non-traditional fillings, from mac and cheese, to buffalo chicken, to fancier cheeses like gorgonzola and smoked cheddar. Regardless of their particular form,jalapeñopoppers remain one of the most famous — and delicious — of all fried, spicy foods.
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FAQs
Many food historians surmise that what we call jalapeño poppers were also a simply an alternate variation of chiles rellenos. Nobody is quite sure when or where the first modern jalapeño poppers were served, although popular opinion seems to agree that the dish originated in Texas sometime around 1972.
Where did jalapeños come from? ›
The jalapeno pepper originated in Mexico, specifically in the Xalapa region, which is located in the state of Veracruz. The pepper was named after the city of Jalapa, which is also located in Veracruz. The jalapeno pepper is believed to have been domesticated in Mexico around 6,000 years ago.
Where did the bacon wrapped jalapeño come from? ›
While the original inventor of jalapeño poppers is disputed, these poppable appetizers were likely inspired by Mexico's chiles rellenos (a similar cheese-stuffed pepper dish that is battered and deep fried).
What is the nickname for a jalapeno popper? ›
They are sometimes called armadillo eggs, especially if wrapped in bacon or sausage meat to give the appearance of an armadillo shell. The term has been used since around 1972 in Texas, antedating the trademark on "Jalapeño Poppers".
Where did jalapeno pepper jelly come from? ›
Pepper jelly's history starts in Lake Jackson, Texas. The first dates for commercial sale start around the late 1970s.
Are jalapeños from Mexico? ›
The jalapeño pepper is believed to have originated in Mexico and was first cultivated by indigenous peoples living in present-day Veracruz as early as 8000 BC.
Are jalapeños Mexican or Spanish? ›
The jalapeño is a Mexican chili but was designated by the Texas Legislature as the official "State Pepper of Texas" in 1995. In Mexico, jalapeños are used in many forms such as in salsa, pico de gallo, or grilled jalapeños.
Are jalapeños from the Americas? ›
Originally from Mexico and a staple in that country's cuisine, today these strong peppers also grow in California and throughout the American Southwest. Most jalapeños are deep green and grow to about 2 to 3 inches long. Some turn red, purple, or other vivid colors after they ripen.
Why is the jalapeño the state pepper of Texas? ›
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.”
What is hotter, cayenne or jalapeño? ›
Cayenne Hot (30,000 to 50,000) Jalapeño Medium (2,500 to 5,000) Poblano (Ancho) Mild (1,000 to 2,000)
Popular bacon-wrapped dishes include angels on horseback, devils on horseback, and pigs in blankets. Bacon has long been used for barding roasts, especially game birds.
Is there a jalapeño spam? ›
Treat your taste buds to a fiesta of flavor with lively SPAM® Jalapeño. It pairs the incomparably delicious SPAM® Classic with the zesty sensation of jalapeño peppers.
What pepper is 100 times hotter than a jalapeño? ›
The Scoville heat unit (SHU) rating is then assigned based on the quantity of dilution, with the ratings working on a linear scale: a 350,000 SHU habanero is 100 times hotter than a 3,500 SHU jalapeño.
What is a smoked jalapeño called? ›
A chipotle (/tʃɪˈpoʊtleɪ/, /tʃɪˈpɒtleɪ/, chi-POHT-lay, chi-POT-lay; Spanish: [tʃiˈpotle]), or chilpotle, is a smoke-dried ripe jalapeño chili pepper used for seasoning.
What are big jalapeños called? ›
The largest jalapeño, these peppers measure as much as 5 in.
Where did pickled jalapeños come from? ›
In 1910, Jimenez Guerra, a descendant of Spanish colonists from Veracruz, began experimenting with ways to use native jalapeños. At the time, the pepper was known as “chile cuaresmeño.” Salmuera (or “salty water”), oil and vinegar often were used to preserve a variety of vegetables.
Who invented jalapeño chips? ›
The inspiration to make “real” jalapeño chips came to Doehne “Deano” Duckworth, chef and owner of The Cactus Café in Stowe, who uses all kinds of hot chiles in his dishes. “It occurred to me,” says Chef Deano, “that everyone was trying to make their potato chips taste like jalapeños.
