The Jalito pepper is a hybrid developed by Steve Bender at Innovation Acre, resulting from the careful crossbreeding of the Billy Biker pepper and the Caribbean Red Habanero. This variety offers a distinctive balance of heat and flavor, positioned between the traditional Jalapeño and the potent Habanero.
The Jalito pepper exhibits a moderate yet pronounced heat, surpassing that of conventional Jalapeños while remaining milder than Habaneros. Its flavor is robust and complex, featuring subtle smokiness and gentle fruity undertones, making it highly versatile for culinary applications such as sauces, salsas, pickling, and roasting. The Jalito is estimated to be about 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
The fruits retain the classic Jalapeño form with a slightly elongated and textured exterior, reflecting its hybrid lineage. The plant demonstrates vigorous growth, high productivity, and adaptability to both container and in-ground cultivation, yielding consistently shaped pods throughout the growing season.
The Jalito pepper is Ideal for horticulturists and chefs seeking a pepper that combines refined heat with exceptional flavor.
