Here's Why There Are Carrots In Your Canned Jalapeños

If you've ever purchased a can of pickled jalapeños and been surprised to find bright orange carrots accompanying the spicy peppers, you're not alone. While they aren't usually noted on the label or the can's image, the ingredient list will specify that carrots are included. Usually simmered in white vinegar with onions and spices, canned jalapeños mimic the classic taqueria-style pickled vegetables. The jalapeños can vary in shape, as some are left whole, while others are sliced into rounds, keeping the seeds intact, or sliced vertically with fewer seeds included.

Carrots can absorb some of the spiciness of the jalapeño peppers, which can tend to be fairly spicy on their own. The carrots also add a bit of sweetness to the pickled mix, but don't be fooled into thinking the carrots will be mildly flavored, as the carrots can be almost or just as spicy as the peppers themselves. Carrots also add color and texture to the pickled jalapeños, which is a nice touch.

Many Mexican taco shops make their own pickled jalapeño and carrot mixes which are an extremely common pairing, widely known as chiles en escabeche, as escabeche translates to marinade or pickle. These house-made pickles can even include cauliflower or radishes, depending on the taqueria, and are usually wrapped up in a plastic bag for convenience. If you haven't tried them before, pickled peppers are the missing ingredient for a perfect taco Tuesday.

Canned, pickled jalapeños and carrots are an excellent way to add heat and tanginess to your meals. There is so much flavor packed into one small, relatively inexpensive can that it's something you should easily keep in your pantry. The jalapeños, carrots, and onions would all be an excellent addition to guacamole when chopped finely and mixed in, especially if you need a substitute for fresh jalapeños or serranos. Adding the pickled peppers and carrots to tacos is a no-brainer, however, they are also a delicious addition to sandwiches, like a roast beef sandwich or even when making the ultimate hot dog. 

Not only great for adding to Mexican-inspired dishes, pickled jalapeños add a welcome tangy heat to Cuban black beans and can be enjoyed in a plethora of ways. They are a great addition anytime you're seeking a spicy, piquant addition to a dish due to their tang and brightness, as well as the natural capsaicin found in the peppers. Surprisingly, they are the perfect spicy compliment to goat cheese, and when you open a can at home, don't drain the liquid because a bloody mary is the best way to use up pickled jalapeño brine.