Seasons/Availability
Red Fresno chile peppers are available year round.
Current Facts
Red Fresno chile peppers, botanically classified as Capsicum annuum, are a type of Anaheim pepper belonging to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. The name Fresno is derived from the Spanish word for “ash tree” and are also known as California red chiles or Hungarian wax peppers. Red Fresno chile peppers are not related to jalapeno peppers but have similar heat levels and culinary uses. Although pungency varies by season, they typically measure between 5,000-9,000 SHU on the Scoville Scale.
Usage
Red Fresno chile peppers can be used both raw and cooked applications such as grilling, roasting, sautéing, baking, and stir-fries. They can be chopped and added to salads, soups, tacos, burritos, omelets, queso dip, salsa verde sauces, salsas crudas or chutneys. The peppers are commonly used as a topping for burgers or hot dogs and blended into cream cheese spreads. Red Fresno chile peppers pair well with meats such as beef and chicken, potatoes, tomatoes, corn tortillas, cilantro pesto dressings, avocado slices or guacamole dips. It is recommended to wear gloves when handling the peppers as they can cause skin irritation and staining.
Red Fresno chile peppers will keep up to two weeks when stored whole in a plastic bag within the refrigerator. The peppers can also be frozen either as a whole or in chopped form, for up to one year. When dried and smoked, they are referred to as chipotle chiles.
Nutritional Value
Red Fresno chile peppers contain vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, folate, potassium, iron, magnesium and manganese. They also provide antioxidants such as beta-carotene and capsacin which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Minerals: Red Fresno chile peppers are high in minerals such as phosphorus, calcium and sodium. They are also good sources of zinc and copper.
Health Benefits
Red Fresno chili peppers have been known to aid digestion, boost metabolism and help to detoxify the body. They are a natural source of polyphenols which can help reduce inflammation and protect against certain types of cancer. The high capsacin content in the peppers can also help reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
