Complete List of Pepper Names with Scoville Heat Levels and Uses

Complete List of Pepper Names with Scoville Heat Levels and Uses

Introduction to Pepper Names

Peppers come in many varieties, each with unique names, heat levels, and culinary uses. This comprehensive guide provides essential details to help you choose the right pepper for your dishes.

Pepper Names and Heat Levels

Pepper Name Heat Level (Scoville Units) Flavor Profile Common Use
Jalapeño 2,500 – 8,000 Mild, slightly sweet, grassy Guacamole, salsa, stuffed peppers
Habanero 100,000 – 350,000 Very hot, fruity, citrusy Hot sauces, salsas, marinades
Ghost Pepper 850,000 – 1,041,456 Extremely hot, smoky, earthy Spicy snacks, chili recipes
Bell Pepper 0 – 100 Crunchy, sweet, mild Salads, roasting, stuffing
Chipotle 2,500 – 8,000 Smoky, deep, slightly sweet Smoked sauces, stews, tacos
Cayenne 30,000 – 50,000 Sharp, spicy, tangy Seasoning, hot sauces, pickling
Serrano 10,000 – 25,000 Hot, crisp, slightly sweet Guacamole, salsas, stir-fries
Pepper Comparison Chart

Buying Guide for Pepper Enthusiasts

When selecting peppers, consider these key factors:

  • Jalapeño: Ideal for beginners. Versatile with mild heat, perfect for salsas and guacamole.
  • Habanero: For intense heat lovers. Best in hot sauces and marinades where fruity notes complement spice.
  • Ghost Pepper: Extreme heat; use sparingly in chili recipes or specialty dishes.
  • Bell Pepper: Zero heat. Adds color and crunch to salads, roasts, and stuffed dishes.
  • Chipotle: Smoky depth. Excellent in stews, sauces, and Mexican-inspired dishes.
  • Cayenne: Sharp, consistent heat. Ideal for seasoning blends and hot sauces.
  • Serrano: Crisp and hotter than jalapeños. Perfect for fresh salsas and stir-fries.

Always check for firmness, smooth skin, and vibrant color. Avoid peppers with soft spots or wrinkles for best quality.

Pepper Buying Guide

Fun Facts About Pepper Names

Pepper names often reflect their origins or characteristics:

  • The term "pepper" comes from Sanskrit maricha, later adopted by Greeks as piper.
  • "Ghost Pepper" (Bhut Jolokia) means "ghost chile" in Assamese and ranks among the world's hottest peppers.
  • "Jalapeño" derives from Xalapa, Mexico, where it was first cultivated.
  • "Serrano" peppers are named after Spain's mountainous regions (sierras).
  • "Padrón Pepper" is a Spanish variety where 1 in 10 peppers may be unexpectedly hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pepper Names

What's the difference between chili peppers and black pepper?

Chili peppers (Capsicum genus) and black pepper (Piper nigrum) are unrelated plants. The name confusion arose when European explorers mistook chili peppers for a fiery version of Asian black pepper.

Why are some peppers named after places?

Many peppers are geographically named: Jalapeño (Xalapa, Mexico), Serrano (Spanish sierras), and Anaheim (California). These names indicate origin or cultivation regions.

How do I know which pepper to use when a recipe just says "pepper"?

When recipes say "pepper" without specification, they usually mean black pepper. For fresh peppers, assume jalapeño for moderate heat or bell pepper for no heat. Always check recipe context for heat or color requirements.

Why do some peppers have multiple names?

Regional variations and marketing cause multiple names. For example, "chili", "chile", and "capsicum" refer to the same plant family in different regions. Some peppers are renamed for commercial appeal (e.g., red jalapeños called "cayenne" in some markets).

How can I remember pepper names and heat levels?

Start with basics: bell (mild), jalapeño (medium), habanero (hot), ghost pepper (extreme). Note patterns—peppers ending in "ño" (jalapeño, serrano) are typically medium-hot, while small wrinkled peppers (Thai chilies) are very hot. Use the Scoville scale as a reference and taste small amounts cautiously.

Are colorful bell peppers different varieties or ripeness stages?

Bell peppers are the same variety at different ripeness stages. They start green, then turn yellow, orange, and red as they mature. Purple bell peppers are a distinct genetic variety that retains its color. Red peppers are sweeter, while green peppers are more bitter.

Conclusion

Understanding pepper names and their characteristics enhances your culinary creativity. From the mild bell pepper to the scorching ghost pepper, each variety offers unique flavors and heat levels. Use this guide to confidently select peppers for any dish and explore the rich diversity of the Capsicum family.

Pepper Conclusion
Lisa Chang

Lisa Chang

A well-traveled food writer who has spent the last eight years documenting authentic spice usage in regional cuisines worldwide. Lisa's unique approach combines culinary with hands-on cooking experience, revealing how spices reflect cultural identity across different societies. Lisa excels at helping home cooks understand the cultural context of spices while providing practical techniques for authentic flavor recreation.