Jalapeño vs Cayenne
A side-by-side comparison of Jalapeño and Cayenne — heat levels, flavor profiles, culinary uses, and growing details.
| Attribute | Jalapeño | Cayenne |
|---|---|---|
| Scoville Range | 2,500-8,000 SHU | 30,000-50,000 SHU |
| Heat Level | Medium | Hot |
| Origin | N/A | N/A |
| Flavor Notes | grassy, bright, slightly sweet | bright, clean, neutral |
| Best Uses | fresh, pickled, roasted, stuffed | dried, powder, fresh |
| Cuisine Types | mexican, tex-mex, american | cajun, creole, asian, universal |
| Days to Maturity | N/A | N/A |
| Plant Size | N/A | N/A |
| Color | green-red | red |
| Availability | common | common |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jalapeño hotter than Cayenne?
Cayenne is hotter than Jalapeño. Cayenne reaches up to 50,000 SHU, while Jalapeño tops out at 8,000 SHU — roughly 6x hotter.
What's the difference between Jalapeño and Cayenne?
Jalapeño (2,500-8,000 SHU) has flavors of grassy, bright, slightly sweet, while Cayenne (30,000-50,000 SHU) is known for bright, clean, neutral. They differ in heat, flavor, and best culinary applications.
Can I substitute Jalapeño for Cayenne?
Substituting directly is not recommended due to the significant heat difference (6x). If substituting Cayenne for Jalapeño, use much less. If substituting Jalapeño for Cayenne, you may need to add additional heat sources.