The Fresno pepper is a bright, medium-hot California chili known for its smooth skin, juicy flesh, and vibrant red color when ripe. It is slightly hotter and fruitier than a jalapeño and is a favorite for fresh salsas, pickling, and topping dishes.
Fresno peppers are 2–4 inches long, conical, and slightly curved with smooth, glossy skin. They start dark green and ripen to a brilliant bright red. The walls are thicker than a jalapeño and very juicy. Heat ranges from mild to medium (2,500–10,000 SHU).
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Developed in the 1950s by Clarence Brown in Fresno, California. It was bred to be a brighter, juicier, and slightly hotter alternative to the jalapeño. Today it is one of the most popular peppers in California farmers’ markets and is widely used in Mexican-American cuisine for its vibrant flavor and appearance.
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Reach out →Bright and fruity with a crisp, juicy bite and clean heat. The flavor is more vibrant and slightly sweeter than a typical jalapeño, especially when fully red.
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