Pumpkin Spice Jalapeño Pepper
The Pumpkin Spice Jalapeño, officially known as the NuMex Pumpkin Spice, is a unique variety of jalapeño developed at the Chile Pepper Institute of New Mexico State University. The name refers to its vibrant, pumpkin-orange color when fu...
- Origin
- Mexico
The Pumpkin Spice Jalapeño, officially known as the NuMex Pumpkin Spice, is a unique variety of jalapeño developed at the Chile Pepper Institute of New Mexico State University. The name refers to its vibrant, pumpkin-orange color when fully ripe, not to any pumpkin or spice flavor. It was created to provide consumers with a visually striking, colorful alternative to the traditional green jalapeño.
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Fruity sweetness: When ripe, the
has a slightly sweeter and fruitier taste than a standard green jalapeño. It does not have hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.NuMex Pumpkin Spice
- Moderate heat: The heat level is generally hotter than a typical green jalapeño, averaging between 22,000 and 25,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
- Earthy undertones: Some sources describe its flavor as a semi-sweet, earthy, and fruity flavor mixed with a moderate level of spice.
- Stuffing: With its thick, conical shape, it is perfect for making stuffed peppers (jalapeño poppers).
- Roasting and grilling: The peppers' flavor is enhanced by roasting or grilling.
- Pickling: Their crisp flesh holds up well to pickling, making them a great condiment.
- Ornamental: Because of their striking color, the plants are often grown as ornamentals in gardens and containers.
Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Germinate at 26–30 °C on a heat mat; peppers stall below 22 °C. Pot up to 10–15 cm before hardening off outside after nights stay above 12 °C.
Feed balanced through bloom, then bump potassium for fruiting. Stake taller varieties. More detail in our full Canadian growing guide.
Match the pepper to the technique: thin-walled varieties blister fast in a hot pan; thick-walled ones roast or stuff beautifully; fruit-forward ones make balanced sauces and pickles. The variety's flavour profile is your shortcut — see Choosing the right pepper for a use-case guide.
