What Are Serrano Peppers

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

Serrano peppers are a popular and delicious addition to many different meals, but before popping these into your pan, it’s best to understand the benefits it can provide!

What are Serrano Peppers?

Serrano peppers scientifically known as Capsicum annuum are one of the many types of chili pepper. They also include sports pepper and chili seco. Native to mountainous regions of Mexico, they are very commonly found in cuisine from that region, as they are flavorful peppers that are slightly hotter than jalapeño peppers, making them very versatile. These peppers are green when they develop, but can change color upon maturity, ending as red, orange, brown, yellow or green. A pepper’s heat is measured by the Scoville scale, and serranos have a rating between 10,000 and 20,000, whereas jalapeños range from 2,500 – 5,000. [1]

Red and green serrano peppers in a bowl

Serrano peppers are great for making sauces and salsas. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Nutrition Facts

Peppers, serrano, raw
Serving Size :
NutrientValue
Water [g]90.25
Energy 32
Energy [kJ]134
Protein [g]1.74
Total lipid (fat) [g]0.44
Ash [g]0.87
Carbohydrate, by difference [g]6.7
Fiber, total dietary [g]3.7
Sugars, total including NLEA [g]3.83
Calcium, Ca [mg]11
Iron, Fe [mg]0.86
Magnesium, Mg [mg]22
Phosphorus, P [mg]40
Potassium, K [mg]305
Sodium, Na [mg]10
Zinc, Zn [mg]0.26
Copper, Cu [mg]0.13
Manganese, Mn [mg]0.19
Selenium, Se [µg]0.4
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg]44.9
Thiamin [mg]0.05
Riboflavin [mg]0.08
Niacin [mg]1.54
Pantothenic acid [mg]0.2
Vitamin B-6 [mg]0.51
Folate, total [µg]23
Folate, food [µg]23
Folate, DFE [µg]23
Choline, total [mg]8.9
Vitamin A, RAE [µg]47
Carotene, beta [µg]534
Carotene, alpha [µg]18
Cryptoxanthin, beta [µg]40
Vitamin A, IU [IU]937
Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg]544
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg]0.69
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg]11.8
Fatty acids, total saturated [g]0.06
14:0 [g]0
16:0 [g]0.04
18:0 [g]0.01
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g]0.02
16:1 [g]0
18:1 [g]0.02
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g]0.22
18:2 [g]0.22
18:3 [g]0.01
Phytosterols [mg]6
Campesterol [mg]2
Beta-sitosterol [mg]3
Sources include : USDA [2]

Nutrition

Nutritionally speaking, serrano peppers contain vitamin A, B6, and vitamin C, as well as moderate amounts of iron and magnesium. These peppers have less than 35 calories in a 100-gram serving, and a good amount of dietary fiber, as well as powerful antioxidant active ingredients, namely capsaicin. [3]

Benefits

There are a number of benefits to adding these peppers into your diet, such as the following:

  • Improving blood pressure
  • Preventing type 2 diabetes
  • Boosting overall heart health
  • Soothing inflamed joints and muscles
  • Easing pain and tension
  • Relieving stress
  • Boost immunity
  • Skin care
  • Preventing anemia
  • Lowering the risk of cancer [4]
  • Regulating blood vessels
  • Treating arthritis
  • Improving digestion
  • Preventing sore muscles
  • Treating shingles
  • Cooling you down

While people think of hot peppers as spicy and inflammatory, they are actually just the opposite. The active ingredients in chili peppers can have many anti-inflammatory effects on the body. With the iron and magnesium content, they can also improve hormonal levels. [5] [6]

How to Store

To store excess serrano peppers, dry them thoroughly and then place them in a plastic or paper bag, separated by paper towels. Place them in airtight plastic containers if you want to freeze your peppers.

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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