Zapotec Jalapeno-(Capsicum annuum)-The Zapotec Jalapeno is an Old World Jalapeno from Oaxaca, Mexico. It was one of the many older peppers that date back to the time of the Aztecs. But why you are seeing it now is because it has a story. I obtained mine from Louisiana grower and friend Gary Montcalm. But Gary found out about this pepper from Beth Boyd. So I, Jim Duffy have decided that this informational post about the Zapotec Jalapeno will be dedicated to the Memory and Legacy of the Chile Queen Beth Boyd. Beth was a native Houston, Texan. She passed away at the young age of 55 in October 2014. Beth Boyd had a website called Peppermania. On it you could find pepper seeds, BBQ supplies, spices and many other items. But Beth was not just another seller. Beth went to other countries especially Mexico and brought back seed varieties many of us never grew till she told us about them. Many were from Oaxaca region. The Chilhuacle types especially. Also Beth known as the “Chile Queen” was also called the “Aji Queen”. Because she was one of the first people to expose us to the Aji pepper types. Beth also brought attention to the Foodarama Scotch Bonnet she discovered in a local store. Isn’t it fascinating for you all to finally know who she is and the Legacy she passed onto us Chile growers and spicy food lovers! We need to always remember Beth! Now back to the Zapotec Jalapeno. Beth brought back this pepper from Oaxaca. It soon became her favorite Jalapeno and the only one she would grow in her garden. It has a smoky sweet flavor. It ripens from green to dark red and will get cracking lines lengthwise on the pepper skin. It has a high jalapeno heat level. Perfect for poppers or salsa but also just roasting as well. The Zapotec Jalapeno chile plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall. This was Beth’s favorite Jalapeno. Because of her love for peppers and Chileheads you now can experience it. As I have said before there are more important things than the World’s Hottest Pepper. The Memory and Legacy of Beth Boyd is more important. Please grow and share her story and enjoy the Zapotec Jalapeno!
Â