Jalapeños and chili peppers are often lumped together, but if you take a closer look, there are some pretty big differences in how they look and—more importantly—how they taste. While they share some common ground, these two garden favorites are actually quite distinct.
Shape and Size
The first thing you’ll notice is the shape. Jalapeños are generally shorter and stockier with a rounded, blunt tip. On the other hand, “Peperoni” (or what we often call chili peppers or Tuscan peppers) come in a huge variety of shapes and colors. They can vary wildly in length and, crucially, in the thickness of their walls.
Thicker-fleshed peppers are usually your best bet for pickling, while those thin-walled chili peppers are perfect for air-drying to use later.
Heat Level
As any spice lover knows, not all “heat” is created equal! Jalapeños can vary in intensity, but generally speaking, they pack a punch that makes them more of a seasoning or a bold topping. Most people wouldn’t just snack on a raw jalapeño like a carrot stick.
Chili peppers (Peperonis), however, are often mild enough to slice right onto a sandwich. Even the spicier varieties are usually manageable enough to eat a few at a time. While folks in regions like Mexico or Southeast Asia might eat jalapeños by the handful, most of us in more temperate climates tend to use them a bit more sparingly to add a kick to a dish.
Flavor Profile
When it comes to flavor, these two really go their separate ways. Chili peppers often have a bright, fruity note, and some varieties even lean into a subtle sweetness. The key with these is picking them at the right time; the flavor changes as they ripen, and “fully ripe” isn’t always the goal. Some varieties, like the “Milde Spiral,” actually taste best when they’re harvested green.
Jalapeños can also be picked at different stages, but that signature spicy bite is always the star of the show. While you can find milder jalapeño breeds, some gardeners find them a bit “boring” without that classic heat. Just a pro-tip: the weather plays a big role here! If you have a particularly rainy summer, you might find that both your jalapeños and your chili peppers end up tasting a little more mellow than usual.