Jalapeño is a type of chili pepper that belongs to the Capsicum annuum species. It is commonly used as a ingredient in various dishes, particularly in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. The jalapeño is known for its spicy heat, with a Scoville rating between 2,500 and 8,000 on the hotness scale. Despite being considered moderately hot by some standards, it can still pack quite a punch if not used carefully in cooking or eaten raw. The name "jalapeño" comes from Xalapa, a city in Veracruz, Mexico where this pepper is believed to have originated.