Fresno Chile - Wikipedia

Cultivar of New Mexico chile pepper

Fresno chile
Cross section of a Fresno chile pepper
Species	Capsicum annuum
Cultivar group	New Mexico chile
Cultivar	Fresno chile
Heat	Medium
Scoville scale	2,500–10,000 SHU

The Fresno chile or Fresno chili pepper (/ˈfrɛznoʊ/ FREZ-noh) is a medium-sized cultivar of Capsicum annuum. It should not be confused with the Fresno Bell pepper.[1] It is often confused with the jalapeño pepper but has thinner walls, often has milder heat, and takes less time to mature. It is, however, a Fresno County chile, which is genetically distinct from the jalapeño and it grows point up, rather than point down as with the jalapeño.[1][2] The fruit starts out bright green changing to orange and red as fully matured. A mature Fresno pepper will be conical in shape, 50 mm (2 in) long, and about 25 mm (1 in) in diameter at the stem.[3] The plants do well in warm to hot temperatures and dry climates with long sunny summer days and cool nights. They are very cold-sensitive but are disease resistant. The plants may reach a height of 60–75 cm (24–30 in).[4]

History

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The Fresno chile was developed and released for commercial cultivation by Clarence Brown Hamlin in 1952. Hamlin named the pepper "Fresno" in honor of Fresno, California. They are grown throughout California, specifically in the San Joaquin Valley.[5]

• Flowers of the Fresno Chile pepper are white, with black pollen
• Immature fruit of the Fresno Chile pepper point upwards
• Fully mature fruit hang down on the plant
• Fruit (right two) compared to 'Jalapeño' (left two)

Uses

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Fresno chiles are frequently used for ceviche, salsa and as an accompaniment for rice and black beans. Because of their thick walls, they do not dry well[5] and are not good for chili powder. In cooking, they can often be substituted for or with jalapeño and serrano peppers.[6][unreliable source?] Mild green ones can typically be purchased in the summer while the hot red ones are available in the fall. It has different culinary usages depending on its maturity.

The immature green fruits are versatile and can be added to many types of dishes. They add mild heat and flavor to sauces, chutneys, dips, relishes, casseroles, soups, stews and savory dishes. Green Fresnos can also be pickled and eaten whole. They make an excellent garnish for Mexican and Southwestern American cuisine.[7]

Mature red Fresno peppers provide more flavor and less heat than jalapeño peppers. They are often added to salsas, relishes, ceviches, and marinades. They make good toppings for tacos, tostadas, burgers, sausages and hot dogs. They are large enough to stuff with cheeses, potatoes, seafood and meat.[5] Specific recipes include versions of Romesco and rojo cream sauces.[8]

Nutritional and medical information

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Fresno chiles are an excellent source of vitamin C and B vitamins, containing significant amounts of iron, thiamin, niacin, magnesium and riboflavin. They are low in calories, fat, and sodium and help to reduce cholesterol. Many of these nutrients reach their highest concentrations in red ripe fruit. The heat element is from capsaicin, a chemical compound that provides a natural anti-inflammatory and pain relief and promotes a feeling of being full.[7] Chilies contain a good amount of minerals including potassium, manganese, iron, and magnesium.

See also

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• Big Jim pepper
• Chimayó pepper
• Jalapeño pepper
• New Mexico No. 9
• Sandia pepper
• Santa Fe Grande
• Serrano pepper
• New Mexico chile
• List of Capsicum cultivars

References

[edit] Wikimedia Commons has media related to 'Fresno Chili' pepper.

1. ^ a b Todd C. Wehner (ed.), Vegetable Cultivar Descriptions for North America Pepper (A-L), Lists 1–27 Combined
2. ^ Paul W. Bosland; Alton L Bailey; Jaime Iglesias-Olivas. "Capsicum Pepper Varieties and Classification". New Mexico State University.
3. ^ "Spice Up Your Cooking with Peppers". Miss Vickie. Archived from the original on 2012-04-15.
4. ^ "Fresno Chili". Bonnie Plants. Archived from the original on 2015-09-30. Retrieved 2012-03-28.
5. ^ a b c "Red Fresno Chile Peppers". Specialty Produce.
6. ^ "Fresh Chile Peppers". The Cook's Thesaurus.
7. ^ a b "Green Fresno Chile Peppers". Specialty Produce.
8. ^ "The Chili of Fresno". TasteFresno. 2011-06-07. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2012-03-28.

v t e Capsicum cultivars
C. annuum var. annuum	Almora Lakhori Mirchi Aleppo Baklouti pepper Banana pepper Banaras Lal Bharwamirch Beaver Dam pepper Bell pepper Bhiwapur Bird's eye Byadagi Cascabel Cayenne Cheongyang Chilaca Cubanelle De árbol Diavoletto d'Abruzzo Dundicut Edayur Er jing tiao Espelette Facing heaven Friggitello Guajillo Guntur Sannam Harmal Hungarian wax Jalapeño Kashmiri red Khola Korean Medusa Mulato Nandurbar Mirchi New Mexico chile Big Jim Chimayó Fresno No. 9 Sandia Santa Fe Grande Padrón Pasilla Peter Peperone crusco Pimiento Piquillo Poblano Ramnathapuram Mundu Serrano Shishito Siling haba Sirarakhong Hathei
C. annuum var. glabriusculum	Piquín Wild chiltepin
C. chinense	Adjuma Ají dulce Bhut jolokia Carolina Reaper Chocolate habanero Datil Dragon's Breath Fatalii Habanaga Habanero Hainan yellow lantern Infinity Madame Jeanette Nagabon Naga Mircha Naga Morich Naga Viper 'Red Savina' habanero Scotch bonnet Trinidad Moruga scorpion Trinidad scorpion 'Butch T' Pepper X
C. frutescens	African bird's eye Kambuzi Labuyo Malagueta Mizo Tabasco
C. baccatum	Ají Bishop's crown Lemon drop Sweet piquanté pepper
C. pubescens	Rocoto pepper
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