Produce Briefs...
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Red Serrano chile peppers are available sporadically during summer months.
Current Facts
One of the hottest chiles commonly available in the United States, the rising popularity of Serrano chiles is fairly recent. Mexican producers grow about 180,000 tons of pods each year. Varying from 80 to 240 days, the growing cycle produces ten harvests in warm climates. Longer Serranos, called "largo" are not as common as shorter varieties. Two other basic Mexican varieties include "balin," named for its resemblance to a small-caliber bullet. Tipico is the Serrano having the most market demand. The Texas Agricultural Experiment Station released Hidalgo, a multiple virus-resistant strain in 1985 that is currently becoming quite popular in the United States.
Description/Taste
The rich red Serrano chile has a thick flesh for its tiny thin body, offering a pleasant bite and high acidity. Measuring about one to two inches long and one-half to three-fourth inch in diameter, its cylindrical shape tapers to a rounded end. The rather searing hot flavor is fresh and clear. Sweeter than when green and unripe, the fully ripe Red Serrano may be used interchangeably with the green immature form. Scoville units: 6-7 (15,000-30,000)
Nutritional Value
More vitamin A is offered by the hot chile than any other food plant. An excellent source of vitamin C and the B vitamins, they offer significant amounts of iron, niacin, thiamin, magnesium and riboflavin. Chiles are cholesterol-free, saturated fat-free, high in fiber and low in sodium and calories.
Applications
Excellent in salsas and pickled, called "en escabeche", striking red Serrano chilies are often used decoratively. Roast; add their hot taste to sauces, stews and soups. Pasta dough benefits from its fiery taste, but go easy. To use as a substitute for Thai chilies, use three fresh red or green Serranos to one Thai. Use as a hotter substitute for jalapeños. To store, refrigerate between paper towels or in a plastic or paper bag. Use within one week for optimum quality. Wear rubber gloves or wash hands well when handling chilies to prevent skin and eye irritation.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Relatively unknown until just a few years ago in the United States, Serrano chiles have gained considerable fame due to their fine taste when pickled. Gaining much favor, especially in the Southwest where it is pickled with carrots and onions, this chile has become a popular hors d'oeuvre and snack.
Geography/History
Thought to have origins in the mountains of northern Puebla and Hidalgo, Mexico, serrano chilies now grow in the Southwestern United States and all over Mexico. Its descriptive Spanish name, serrano, means "from the highlands" or "from the mountains". The Serrano is one of the hottest chilies marketed in the United States and is becoming increasingly popular with chile fans.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Gro Café | San Diego CA | 619-253-8311 |
| SuperNatural Sandwich | San Diego CA | 619-356-1992 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Serrano Chile Peppers. One
is easiest, three is harder.
