If you’ve never had pickled jalapenos, you’re missing out! Perfect for toppings or just to snack on, once you try pickled jalapeño peppers, you’ll be hooked! Plus, did you know there are lots of health benefits of pickled jalapenos? I’m sharing all the health benefits below, plus my recipe for addictive pickled jalapenos.
Health Benefits of Pickled Jalapenos
A tasty snack or topping that also has a ton of potential health benefits? Sign me up! Here are the potential health benefits of pickled jalapenos:
Boosts Metabolism:
Pickled jalapeños contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their spicy kick. Capsaicin can help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss by increasing the core body temperature and encouraging the burning of more calories.
Rich in Antioxidants:
These fiery green peppers are packed with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, promoting good health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Supports Heart Health:
Capsaicin in spicy foods like jalapeños plays a crucial role in improving blood circulation and reducing high blood pressure. Eating spicy peppers can also help lower high cholesterol, reducing some of the biggest risk factors for heart disease.
Aids in Digestion:
While some may think spicy foods cause stomach ulcers, studies suggest that capsaicin actually plays a protective role in the stomach, helping prevent bacterial growth like H. pylori, which is linked to ulcers.
Natural Pain Relief:
Capsaicin works as a natural pain reliever, targeting pain receptors. This effect has been utilized in capsaicin lotions for joint pain relief and in managing other chronic conditions.
Immune System Boost:
Jalapeños are a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which is vital for the immune system. Regular consumption can help the body fend off infections like strep throat.
Weight Management:
Pickled jalapeños are a low calorie food and can be added to a variety of favorite dishes without increasing caloric intake. Their spicy flavor also adds depth to meals, making them a great way to enjoy fewer calories while enhancing the taste of high-carb meals.
Promotes Healthy Blood Sugar Levels:
Capsaicin has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, making pickled jalapeños a smart choice for people looking to manage their blood sugar more effectively.
Supports Bone Health:
Pickled jalapeños are a source of vitamin K, an essential nutrient that supports blood clotting and bone health, playing an important role in maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of fractures.
Cancer-Fighting Properties:
Early studies suggest that capsaicin may help slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed, due to its antioxidant properties.
Improves Oral Health:
The acidity of the pickling process, often involving white vinegar, may help prevent tooth decay and fight harmful bacteria in the mouth.
A Flavorful, Low-Calorie Addition:
With their tangy flavor, pickled jalapeños are a flavorful addition to many dishes. They are a great way to enjoy spicy chili peppers in a more accessible form, providing a spicy kick without the intense burning sensation of raw jalapeño.
Weight Loss Aid:
Pickled jalapeños can contribute to healthy weight management, as they contain fewer calories than some other types of chili peppers, while still offering a delicious, spicy little peppers punch.
Fights Inflammation:
Capsaicin, the active compound in jalapeños, helps to reduce inflammation, which is linked to numerous medical conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Enhances the Taste of Dishes:
With their medium heat on the Scoville scale, pickled jalapeños are a versatile addition to salads, sandwiches, and salsas, delivering a little spice without overwhelming the taste buds.
Pickled Jalapenos Recipe
Pickled jalapeño peppers are perfect for those who love the combination of sweet and spicy. These caramelized pickled jalapeños are a unique snack that will add a bright and rich flavor to your dishes. The thick syrup gives them the perfect balance of sweetness, which softens their natural heat, creating an amazing flavor combination.
What You Need for Pickled Jalapenos
Get the full list of measurements and ingredients in the recipe card below. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh jalapeno peppers
- White or apple cider vinegar
- Granulated sugar
- Honey or maple syrup
- Ground turmeric
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Allspice
- Cloves
How to Make Pickled Jalapenos
Making pickled jalapenos is super easy. Here are the steps:
- In a saucepan, combine salt and sugar. Add honey and all spices. Pour in vinegar and stir. Bring syrup to a boil.
- Put on gloves. Rinse peppers in cold water and pat dry. Remove stems from each pepper and slice into even slices about 1/4 inch thick. Do not remove seeds, leave them in.
- Transfer sliced jalapenos to syrup, making sure they are completely submerged. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes until the jalapeños are soft.
- Sterilize the jar. Transfer the jalapeño slices into the jar. Boil the remaining syrup over high heat until it reaches the consistency of honey.
- Pour the thick syrup over the jalapeños, leaving about 1/3 inch of space at the top of each jar. Seal the jars tightly with lids and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the Cowboy Candy jars for 24 hours.
Ways to Use these Pickled Jalapenos:
- Topping for Tacos and Burritos
- Pizza Topping
- Nachos
- Sandwiches & Wraps
- In Salads
- Guacamole Add-in
- In Soups & Chili
- Deviled Eggs
- Cheese Boards
- In Salsas & Dips
- Mac & Cheese
- Scrambled Eggs & Omelets
- Marinades & Dressings
- Bloody Mary Garnish
- Rice or Grain Bowls
Storing Pickled Jalapenos
Store pickled jalapenos in the refrigerator in an airtight container and enjoy them for months.
Pickled Jalapeno FAQ
Pickled jalapeños can last for up to 2-3 months when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to use a clean utensil when removing them from the jar to maintain freshness.
Yes, you can pickle jalapeños using a quick pickling method (as in the recipe above), which doesn’t require canning. Simply prepare the brine, pour it over the sliced jalapeños, and store them in the refrigerator.
Boiling the vinegar helps dissolve the salt and sugar in the brine and also ensures that the jalapeños pickle properly. Always bring the brine mixture to a boil before pouring it over the jalapeños.
It’s not recommended to reuse pickling brine for a new batch, as it may lose its potency and the balance of acidity and flavor may be compromised. Always make fresh brine for each new batch.
To reduce the heat, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before pickling, as this is where most of the heat resides. You can also rinse the jalapeños in cold water after slicing to reduce some of the spice.
Yes! You can pickle jalapeños along with onions, carrots, cauliflower, or even garlic. Adding other vegetables can enhance the flavor and create a delicious pickled mix.
White vinegar is the most common and recommended vinegar for pickling jalapeños, as it has a neutral flavor that allows the jalapeños to shine. Apple cider vinegar is another option, but it will add a slightly sweeter and tangier flavor.
If your pickled jalapeños turn out soft, it’s likely due to overcooking or leaving them in the hot brine for too long before refrigerating. To maintain crispness, try adding a small amount of calcium chloride (often sold as “Pickle Crisp”) to the jar.
Yes, adding sugar to your pickling brine will create a sweet and spicy jalapeño. Adjust the sugar according to your preference to get the right balance.
Pickled jalapeños are typically ready to eat after 24-48 hours. However, for the best flavor, it’s recommended to let them sit for about a week to fully absorb the brine.
Yes, you can pickle whole jalapeños, but be sure to poke holes in the peppers with a fork or skewer to allow the brine to penetrate the inside of the peppers.
If the flavor is too vinegary, you can dilute the vinegar in your brine with a bit of water, or try a milder vinegar like apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind that vinegar is necessary for proper pickling and preservation.
Yes, pickled jalapeños are naturally gluten-free as long as the brine ingredients (vinegar, salt, sugar, etc.) do not contain gluten. Always check the labels on any additional ingredients you use.
Freezing pickled jalapeños is not recommended, as the texture will become mushy when thawed. It’s best to store them in the refrigerator and consume them within a few months.
Pickled jalapeños are low in calories and contain vitamins A and C, as well as capsaicin, which may have health benefits. However, they can be high in sodium due to the pickling brine, so enjoy them in moderation if you’re watching your salt intake.
Now you know all the potential health benefits of pickled jalapenos, and here is the recipe!
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Pickled Jalapenos Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound fresh jalapeno peppers
- 3/4 cup white or apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 3 cloves
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine salt and sugar. Add honey and all spices. Pour in vinegar and stir. Bring syrup to a boil.
- Put on gloves. Rinse peppers in cold water and pat dry. Remove stems from each pepper and slice into even slices about 1/4 inch thick. Do not remove seeds, leave them in.
- Transfer sliced jalapenos to syrup, making sure they are completely submerged. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes until the jalapeños are soft.
- Sterilize the jar. Transfer the jalapeño slices into the jar. Boil the remaining syrup over high heat until it reaches the consistency of honey.
- Pour the thick syrup over the jalapeños, leaving about 1/3 inch of space at the top of each jar. Seal the jars tightly with lids and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the Cowboy Candy jars for 24 hours.
- Keep in the refrigerator for months.
Hi, I’m Jessica! I am wife to Chris, and mom to Kaip, Alana and Koa. I am a website developer and blogger. In this space, I share about everything from parenting, making money from home, recipes, mom lifestyle, and things for kids! Learn more about me here.
