Description
Product Name: Jalapeño Orange Spice Chilli Seeds
Jalapeño Orange Spice is a vibrant, citrus-toned Capsicum annuum hybrid developed to elevate the traditional jalapeño experience. With its striking orange hue, elevated heat, and nuanced flavor profile, this cultivar offers both ornamental appeal and culinary versatility. Bred by the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University, it belongs to the NuMex series—a collection of peppers designed to expand the color, flavor, and heat spectrum of classic jalapeños. Jalapeño Orange Spice is ideal for growers seeking a reliable, container-friendly plant that produces high-yielding, medium-hot fruit with a crisp texture and gourmet potential.
- Cultivar Name: Jalapeño Orange Spice
- Species: Capsicum annuum
- Common Names: Orange Spice Jalapeño, NuMex Orange Jalapeño
- Type: Hybrid
Origin & Lineage
Geographic Origin:
Jalapeño Orange Spice was developed in New Mexico, USA, by researchers at the Chile Pepper Institute, a leading authority on Capsicum genetics and breeding. The region’s arid climate and long growing season provided ideal conditions for stabilizing this cultivar, which was designed to thrive in both garden beds and containers.
Cultural Significance:
Jalapeños have long been a staple in Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Southwestern cuisine. The Orange Spice variant adds a modern twist to this legacy, offering chefs and home cooks a visually striking alternative with enhanced flavor and heat. Its bright coloration and citrusy aroma have made it a favorite among hot sauce artisans, farmers’ market growers, and culinary schools focused on flavor-forward produce. While not tied to traditional rituals, it has become a symbol of innovation in pepper breeding.
Lineage / Hybridizer History:
Jalapeño Orange Spice is a deliberate cross between:
- Early Jalapeño: Selected for its compact growth and early fruiting.
- Permagreen Bell Pepper: Introduced to enhance pigmentation and sweetness.
The cultivar was released as part of the NuMex series, which includes other color variants such as Lemon Spice and Pumpkin Spice jalapeños. Each was bred to offer unique flavor and visual appeal while maintaining the core characteristics of the jalapeño. Jalapeño Orange Spice stands out for its balance of sweetness and heat, and its ability to perform well in diverse growing environments.
Heat Profile
Scoville Rating (SHU):
2,000–8,000 SHU
Perceived Heat:
Medium (1,000 to 15,000 SHU)
Heat Characteristics:
The heat of Jalapeño Orange Spice is clean and approachable. It begins with a gentle warmth on the tongue and lips, followed by a mild burn that enhances rather than overwhelms. The heat builds gradually and fades quickly, making it suitable for fresh use, stuffing, and light cooking. When roasted or grilled, the heat integrates smoothly into the dish, offering a balanced kick.
Flavor Profile
Tasting Notes:
This cultivar delivers a crisp, citrus-forward flavor with subtle sweetness and a classic jalapeño backbone. The initial bite is bright and zesty, followed by a mellow heat and a hint of fruitiness. The flavor is more complex than standard jalapeños, with a sherbet-like aroma that makes it ideal for gourmet applications.
Aftertaste / Finish:
The finish is clean and slightly tangy, with no lingering bitterness. When cooked, the sweetness intensifies and a mild smokiness emerges, especially when the pods are roasted or grilled.
Ideal Pairings:
- Fresh salsas with lime and cilantro
- Stuffed jalapeños with cheese or grains
- Pickled blends with garlic and vinegar
- Fermented sauces with citrus and onion
- Toppings for tacos, pizzas, and grilled meats
Pod Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqRvgm2wVcs
Fruit Characteristics
Shape:
Conical and slightly curved with blunt tips
Size:
4–5 cm long, 2 cm diameter
Color Stages:
- Immature: green
- Ripe: bright orange
Wall Thickness:
Medium
Texture & Skin:
Smooth and glossy; skin is firm and resistant to cracking.
Plant Details
Growth Habit:
Compact and bushy
Plant Height & Width:
60–90 cm tall, 45–60 cm wide
Foliage:
Dark green, slightly pubescent
Flower Color:
White
Days to Maturity:
90–120 days from germination
Yield:
Moderate to high – typically 50–100 pods per plant under optimal conditions.
Cultivation Information
Seed Count per Pack:
5 or 10 seeds (Presoaking Chilli Seeds)
Germination Time:
7–14 days (Germinating Chilli Seeds)
Optimal Germination Temp:
25–30°C (Essential guide to ideal temperatures and humidity for chilli seed germination)
Light Requirements:
Filtered sun
Soil Preferences:
Well-drained loamy soil with pH between 6.0 and 6.8; enriched with compost or aged manure (Easy DIY soil mixes)
Storage Tips:
Store Jalapeño Orange Spice seeds in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Silica gel packets may be used to reduce humidity and extend viability.
Other Jalapeno Cultivars: Tiger Jalapeno, Jalapeno Guacho, Mammoth Jalapeno, Jalapeno Azabache, Jalapeno Lemon Spice and Sriracha Jalapeno.
Notable Compounds
Capsaicinoid Content:
Moderate levels of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin contribute to its medium heat classification. These compounds are concentrated near the placenta and inner walls of the pod.
Volatile Flavor Compounds:
Limonene and esters are present in trace amounts, contributing to the citrusy aroma and bright flavor. These compounds become more pronounced during roasting and fermentation.
Anthocyanins / Pigments:
No significant anthocyanin expression in ripe pods; pigmentation is dominated by carotenoids such as beta-carotene and capsanthin, responsible for the orange hue.
Culinary & Cultural Use
Traditional Uses:
While Jalapeño Orange Spice is a modern cultivar, it has been adopted into traditional jalapeño applications with added flair. It is suitable for:
- Ají-style sauces
- Pickled chili medleys
- Salsas with citrus and herbs
- Dry rubs and infused oils
- Fermented chili pastes
Raw vs Cooked Flavor:
Raw Jalapeño Orange Spice pods deliver a crisp, citrusy heat with sweet undertones. Cooking—especially roasting or grilling—enhances the sweetness and introduces a smoky depth. Pickling adds tang and reduces the sharp edge, while fermentation deepens the flavor and introduces umami complexity.
Regional Dishes:
- Tex-Mex jalapeño poppers
- Mexican-style escabeche
- Southwestern chili sauces
- American-style pickled jalapeños
- Gourmet hot sauces with citrus infusions
Storage / Drying / Preserving Tips:
- Air-dry whole pods in shaded, ventilated areas to preserve flavor and pigmentation
- Slice and dehydrate for faster drying and powder production
- Pickle in vinegar with garlic and herbs for extended shelf life
- Ferment with salt and citrus for chili paste
- Vacuum seal dried pods to prevent oxidation and flavor degradation
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