What makes the Fresno chili pepper so special?
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Central Valley is a hotbed for agriculture, and Fresno chiles are a big bright red reminder of that.
The peppers have a smoky flavor and, because they’re fruitier than jalapenos, they end up with a complex taste, making them a favorite for many chefs.
Fresno gets a shout-out in popular YouTube series
According to Fresno State Assistant Culinary Professor Jamie Levitt, Fresno chili peppers have made their mark since they were first developed over 70 years ago back in 1952.
“It definitely seems to be an ingredient that’s popular in full-service or fine dining locations,” Levitt said.
Levit says the Fresno chilies’ unique flavor allows for them to be put into a wide variety of dishes, as well as hot sauce, oil, and protein dishes. He says Fresno chiles are easy for beginner cooks to introduce into their dishes, but he offers a few tips to anyone cooking chiles.
“Wear gloves,” Levitt says. He warns that wearing gloves can help avoid getting any of the spices in your eyes and even though the Fresno chiles don’t have an excessive level of spice, they can be dangerous.
“Remove the seeds and the membrane carefully and prudently,” Levitt says it may take a bit of nice skills but removing those parts of the chilies is important.
Most importantly, Levitt says that washing your hands as you cook will help not have any spice near your hands and in turn your eyes. According to Levitt, Fresno chiles are also easy to grow – and grow well year-round as well.
