SERRANO CHILES (C24)

The Serrano Chile hails from the foothills of Puebla Mexico, even taking its name from the Spanish word "serranias," meaning "foothills." While they are often compared to the jalapeño, Serrano Chiles are smaller and much hotter than their common counterpart. Like jalapeños, these chiles are one of the most commonly used ingredients in Mexican cuisine and are widely cultivated in this region for use and export. Part of the Capsicum annuum family, these peppers have been part of the human diet in the Americas since at least 7,500 B.C. While they are now staples in many cuisines, they were not introduced to Europe and Asia until the late 1400s when they were brought to Spain and quickly traded for their variety and as a cheaper alternative to pricey peppercorns.