FOOD NEWS
How Many Jalapeño Peppers Equal The Heat Of One Habanero?
BY STEPHANIE FRIEDMAN
A jalapeño contains 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville heat units, while one habanero has 100,000 to 350,000. Despite this difference, you only need about 5 jalapeños to replace a habanero.
Using this swap won't yield exactly the same results, flavor-wise or heat-wise. Habaneros tend to be a little sweeter with more of a fruity taste and concentrated heat.
Jalapeños have a bright yet earthy flavor and a crisper texture. They will give a dish more crunch than a habanero, and you'll be able to taste their flavor underneath the heat.
Start small when making this swap. You may need more than five jalapeños to achieve the true heat level of a habanero, but start there, taste, and add more accordingly.