The Purple Jalapeño is a beautiful ornamental pepper hybrid that often shows three colors– green, purple, and red—on the same plant. The family-friendly peppers have a medium heat level, averaging about 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units, and they are slightly sweeter than traditional green Jalapenos. Purple Jalapenos look a lot like regular jalapeños, the main difference is the color variation. The peppers start out green and as they age they turn a deep purple color, almost seeming black at times. Once they are fully mature, Purple Jalapenos actually ripen to red. The plant’s beautiful purple flowers add to its ornamental appeal. Similar to traditional Jalapenos, Purple Jalapenos can be pickled and used on sandwiches or in salads, or they can be used fresh for salsas and hot sauces.
