'Fresno Chili' pepper

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Fresno pepper 4.jpg
'Fresno Chili' pepper
Species Capsicum annuum
Cultivar 'Fresno Chili'
Heat Medium
Scoville scale 2,500–10,000 SHU

The 'Fresno Chili' pepper (/ˈfrɛzn/ FREZ-noh) is a medium-sized cultivar of Capsicum annuum. It should not be confused with the 'Fresno Bell' pepper.[1] It is often confused with Jalapeño pepper but contains thinner walls, often milder heat, and less time to maturity. It is however a New Mexico chile, which is genetically distinct from the Jalapeño and it grows point up, rather than point down as with the Jalapeño.[1][2] The fruit starts out bright green changing to orange and red as fully matured. A mature Fresno pepper will be conical in shape, 2 inches long, and about 1 inch in diameter at the stem.[3] The plants do well in warm to hot temperatures and dry climates with long sunny summer days and cool nights. They are very cold-sensitive, but disease resistant reaching a height of 24 to 30 inches.[4]


The 'Fresno Chili' was developed and released for commercial cultivation by Clarence Brown Hamlin in 1952. Hamlin named the chili "Fresno" in honor of Fresno, California. They are grown throughout California, specifically the San Joaquin Valley.[5]


'Fresno Chili' peppers are frequently used for ceviche, salsa and as an accompaniment for rice and black beans. Because of their thin walls, they do not dry well and are not good for chili powder. In cooking, they can often be substituted for or with Jalapeño and Serrano peppers.[6] Mild green ones can typically be purchased in the summer while the hot red ones are available in the fall. Depending on its maturity it has different culinary usages.

Immature green Fresno chilis are more versatile and can be added to many types of dishes. They add mild heat and flavor to sauces, chutneys, dips, relishes, casseroles, soups, stews and savory dishes. Green Fresnos can also be pickled and eaten whole. They make an excellent garnish for Mexican and Southwestern American cuisine.[7]

Mature red Fresno peppers provide less flavor and more heat. They are often added to salsas, relishes, ceviches, and marinades. They make good toppings for tacos, tostadas, burgers, sausages and hot dogs. They are large enough to stuff with cheeses, potatoes, seafood and meat.[5] Specific recipes include versions of Romesco and rojo cream sauces.[8]

Nutritional and medical information[edit]

'Fresno Chili' peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C and B vitamins, containing significant amounts of iron, thiamin, niacin, magnesium and riboflavin. They are low in calories, fat, and sodium and help to reduce cholesterol. Many of these nutrients reach their highest concentrations in red ripe fruit. The heat element is from capsaicin, a chemical compound that provides a natural anti-inflammatory and pain relief and promotes a feeling of being full.[7] Chilies contain a good amount of minerals including potassium, manganese, iron, and magnesium.

See also[edit]


  1. ^ a b Paul W. Bosland (ed.), Vegetable Cultivar Descriptions for North America Pepper (A-L), Lists 1-26 Combined 
  2. ^ Paul W. Bosland; Alton L Bailey; Jaime Iglesias-Olivas. "Capsicum Pepper Varieties and Classification". New Mexico State University. 
  3. ^ "Spice Up Your Cooking with Peppers". Miss Vickie. Archived from the original on 2012-04-15. 
  4. ^ "Fresno Chili". Bonnie Plants. 
  5. ^ a b "Red Fresno Chile Peppers". Specialty Produce. 
  6. ^ "Fresh Chile Peppers". The Cook's Thesaurus. 
  7. ^ a b "Green Fresno Chile Peppers". Specialty Produce. 
  8. ^ "The Chili of Fresno". TasteFresno. 2011-06-07.