Jalapeno peppers

Native to Veracruz, Mexico, the jalapeño is perhaps the most popular hot chile in the world. It is generally dark green when harvested but can also be found in a ripe, crimson red form, which is equally spicy (2,500?8,000 Scoville heat units). Thick-skinned and easily seeded, the jalapeño makes a perfect receptacle for cheese (wrapped in bacon, of course). When smoked and dried, it is called a chipotle.