Chile Pepper Institute introduces 'NuMex Jalmundo'

Jalapeño fans take note -- a new, jumbo pepper is now available for your eating and cooking pleasure. The New Mexico State University chile pepper breeding program recently announced the release of a large-size jalapeño pepper dubbed 'NuMex Jalmundo'. According to Paul Bosland, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at NMSU and co-founder of the nonprofit Chile Pepper Institute, "the name Jalmundo is a contraction of jalapeño and the Spanish word for world (mundo), implying that it is as big as the world."

The jalapeño, sold fresh, frozen, canned, and pickled, is one of the most popular and most recognized chile peppers grown and consumed in the United States. Jalapeños were originally named after the city of Xalapa, Mexico, where they are traditionally grown. 'NuMex Jalmundo' originated from a hybridization between a bell pepper, ('Keystone Resistant Giant'), and a jalapeño ('Early Jalapeno').

A new consumer favorite is the category of large jalapeños used for making poppers, breaded and deep-fried jalapeños stuffed with cheese that are popular appetizers throughout the country. "Fruits of 'NuMex Jalmundo' are perfect for use as poppers", noted Bosland. The new jalapeno should please most popper enthusiasts; with a heat level of 17,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), 'NuMex Jalmundo' is considered to be medium hot.