Jalapeno, (pronounced “ha lay pain yo”, derived from the ancient Aztec Nahuatl word Xalapan which translates to "sand by the water") a Capsicum annuum native to Mexico, is widely considered to be the most recognized chile in the US. It is one of the first and oldest cultivated crops in the Western Hemisphere, dating back to before the Aztec civilization (1345-1521). They originated in the region of Mexico that today is northern Mexico City. Add to chili, corn bread, salsa, sauces, spice blends, stews, taco meat, chicken, and eggs.  Approx. 1/2 - 1 teaspoon = 1 fresh jalapeno