The Hot Pepper said:
I don't know about the American thing, in Mexico the green are for eating fresh, the red for drying, so why blame the Americans? Ever had pico de gallo?? They are traditionally eaten green.
Should've said American business. I've never seen just a plain red jalap in the store... always green. Red is an overwhelming favorite here, but they have to be left alone in one's own garden, to find a red. I know it's supply and demand, with most people wanting green for the sake of believing that's the way they come. But like sriracha being the most popular hot sauce, I think people would gravitate towards the red, sometimes, if it were offered. Like I said, no one wants to offer it straight up, against the green. It isn't cost efficient. Plus they don't stay fresh long when red.
Of course, this is just my opinion.