Salsa Under Seige

Salsa is currently under siege with the advisory about jalapeño peppers. The FDA has issued an advisory to consumers to avoid eating any fresh jalapeño and Serrano peppers, or products made with them, such as fresh salsa. This has been ongoing but was strengthened by FDA inspectors discovery of a single jalapeño identified with salmonella-strain. This smoking pepper was grown in Mexico and distributed by a produce shipper in McAllen, where the inspection occurred. It is yet to be determined where in the supply chain the pepper was contaminated

So short of eating salsa without jalapeños, which is glorified tomato sauce and has been compared to kissing your sister, what can you do? First do not settle for milder peppers like the Poblano and Anaheim. You could use pickled jalapeño that is also milder and not as tasty. The Serrano pepper is a natural alternative, slightly hotter, but it’s included in the advisory since it can be easily confused with the Jalapeño.

Here are the alternatives peppers you can use in order of heat:

Guero Chile - The Guero chile is somewhat milder than the Jalapeño but still carries twice the heat o the Poblano or Anaheim.

Fresno Pepper- If you want equal heat as the Jalapeño the alternative is the Fresno pepper (pictured above). These are similar to jalapenos with thinner walls and are considered excellent in salsas.

Malagueta Pepper – The Malagueta pepper is similar in heat to the Serrano, so slightly hotter than the Jalapeño.

Habanero Chile – The Habanero is an extremely hot chile with a fruity flavor. They are at their peak in the summertime. If you want to get equivalent heat reduce the quantity used in half, compared to your Jalapeño use.

Scotch Bonnet Chile - This one is nearly identical to the Habanero, except in it’s size since it's a smaller. Similar to the Habanero, if you want to get equivalent heat reduce the quantities used by half, compared to your Jalapeño use.

So you see there are alternatives that ill allow the preparation of Salsa with a kick, a passionate kiss, without having to worry about the Salmonella issue currently embroiling Jalapeños. Be on the lookout for a full article with more details about peppers and and a delicious upcoming Salsa recipe!