
Q. Numerous recipes require seeded and diced jalapeños. However, my local grocery store often lacks fresh jalapeño peppers. Is it acceptable to use canned chopped green chilies as a replacement?
A. Typically, canned green chiles are made from Anaheim chilies, not jalapeños. They are sometimes mistakenly labeled as New Mexico chilies, which are actually a distinct, spicier variety.
Anaheim peppers are less spicy than jalapeños, but they can be used as a substitute if fresh, canned, or jarred jalapeños are unavailable. Due to their milder taste, adjust the seasoning gradually to achieve the desired level of spiciness in your dish.
Another consideration: While mild flavors can be enjoyable, if you're aiming for the distinctive heat of jalapeños, choose a hotter alternative. Many brands offer both mild and hot options, so selecting the hot variety will better replicate the jalapeño's intensity.