Pepper Jellies from Nebraska: A Sweet and Spicy Tradition

Nebraska’s culinary scene is rich with locally crafted foods, and pepper jelly stands out as a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy that captures the state’s agricultural spirit. Made with fresh peppers, sugar, and often local fruits, these jellies are a versatile addition to any pantry, perfect for spreading on toast, glazing meats, or pairing with cheese. Below, we explore the vibrant world of pepper jellies from Nebraska, highlighting their unique flavors, local producers, and the traditions behind them.

What is Pepper Jelly?

Pepper jelly is a preserve that blends the heat of chili peppers with the sweetness of sugar, typically set with pectin or vinegar. Originating in the southern United States, it gained popularity in the 1980s and has since found a home in Nebraska, where local producers use homegrown peppers and fruits to create bold, flavorful spreads. Nebraska’s versions often incorporate regional ingredients, like locally grown jalapeños or habaneros, and pair them with fruits for a sweet-spicy balance.

1. Jalapeño Pepper Jelly

• Description: A classic pepper jelly made with jalapeño peppers, green or red bell peppers, vinegar, sugar, and pectin. Nebraska producers often source jalapeños from local farms like Johnson’s Farm in North Bend, known for its variety of peppers.

• Flavor Profile: Sweet with a mild to medium heat (2,500–8,000 Scoville Heat Units), offering a balanced kick that’s approachable for most palates.

• Notable Producers:

  • Rafter 7S (Paxton, NE): Their jalapeño pepper jelly (8 oz, $9.99) is crafted in small, hand-stirred batches with no preservatives, using peppers grown in the Nebraska Sandhills.

  • It’s All About Bees! (Lincoln, NE): Offers jalapeño jelly in 4 oz ($3.50) or 8 oz ($6.00) jars, made with local peppers and honey for a touch of sweetness.

• Uses: Spread on cream cheese with crackers, glaze for grilled chicken, or a zesty addition to sandwiches.

• Why It’s Special: Jalapeño jelly’s versatility makes it a Nebraska favorite, with producers controlling heat levels by adjusting seeds and veins for a perfect balance.

2. Habanero Pepper Jelly

• Description: Made with fiery habanero peppers (100,000–350,000 SHU), often blended with sweeter fruits like mango or berries to tame the heat. Nebraska’s habanero jellies showcase local peppers from farms like Johnson’s Farm.

• Flavor Profile: Intensely spicy with a fruity sweetness, offering a bold, lingering heat.

• Notable Producers:

  • Rafter 7S: Their habanero and blazin’ hot habanero jellies (8 oz, $9.99) are made with Sandhills-grown peppers, delivering a fiery kick for heat enthusiasts.

  • Chili Dawg’s Foods of Fire (Blair, NE): Known for their “Sweet Before the Heat” habanero spreads, including razbanero (raspberry-habanero, 9 oz, $10.49) and strawbanero (strawberry-habanero, 9 oz, $10.49), both gluten-free and bursting with fruity heat.

• Uses: Perfect as a glaze for pork ribs, a dip for charcuterie, or a bold topping for salmon or halibut.

• Why It’s Special: Habanero jellies cater to Nebraska’s spice lovers, blending local peppers with creative fruit pairings for a complex flavor profile.

3. Raspberry Jalapeño Jelly

• Description: A sweet-spicy blend of raspberries and jalapeños, combining Nebraska’s love for wild berries with locally grown peppers. This jelly is a favorite for its vibrant color and balanced flavor.

• Flavor Profile: Sweet raspberry notes with a mild jalapeño kick, less intense than habanero-based spreads.

• Notable Producers:

  • Rafter 7S: Their raspberry jalapeño jelly (8 oz, $9.99) uses hand-picked berries and local peppers for a small-batch, preservative-free spread.

  • It’s All About Bees!: Offers a similar raspberry jalapeño jelly (4 oz or 8 oz, from $3.50), made with local raspberries and honey for a natural sweetness.

• Uses: Ideal for cheese boards, as a glaze for roasted meats, or spread on English muffins for a flavorful breakfast.

• Why It’s Special: The combination of Nebraska’s wild or locally grown raspberries with jalapeños creates a uniquely regional twist, perfect for gifting or entertaining.

4. Strawberry Jalapeño Jelly

• Description: This jelly pairs sweet strawberries with jalapeños, offering a milder heat than habanero varieties but with a bright, summery flavor. Nebraska producers often use local strawberries for freshness.

• Flavor Profile: Juicy, sweet strawberry with a subtle spicy finish.

• Notable Producers:

  • Rafter 7S: Their strawberry jalapeño jelly (8 oz, $9.99) is hand-crafted in the Sandhills, emphasizing natural ingredients and no preservatives.

  • Chili Dawg’s Foods of Fire: Their strawbanero spread (9 oz, $10.49) occasionally substitutes jalapeños for a milder take, blending strawberries with peppers for a sweet-spicy hit.

• Uses: Great on toast, as a dip with cream cheese, or as a glaze for grilled fish or pork.

• Why It’s Special: Strawberry jalapeño jelly highlights Nebraska’s ability to blend summer fruits with local peppers, creating a crowd-pleasing spread.

5. Blackberry Habanero Jelly

• Description: A bold combination of sweet blackberries and fiery habaneros, this jelly is for those who crave intense flavors. Nebraska’s blackberry habanero jellies often use locally sourced berries.

• Flavor Profile: Rich, sweet blackberry with a powerful habanero heat.

• Notable Producers:

  • Rafter 7S: Their blackberry habanero jelly (8 oz, $9.99) is a standout, made with Sandhills berries and peppers for a preservative-free, small-batch spread.

• Uses: Pairs well with soft cheeses, as a glaze for ribs, or as a bold sandwich spread.

• Why It’s Special: This jelly showcases Nebraska’s flair for combining wild or local berries with high-heat peppers, appealing to adventurous eaters.

The Nebraska Pepper Jelly Scene

Nebraska’s pepper jellies reflect the state’s agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Producers like Rafter 7S, based in Paxton, emphasize traditional, small-batch methods, using hand-picked peppers and fruits from the Sandhills. Chili Dawg’s Foods of Fire in Blair brings a modern twist with their “Sweet Before the Heat” philosophy, crafting gluten-free spreads that balance fruit and spice. It’s All About Bees! in Lincoln adds a unique touch by incorporating local honey, reducing sugar content by 30% compared to commercial brands.

Why Choose Nebraska Pepper Jelly?

• Local Ingredients: Producers use Nebraska-grown peppers and fruits, ensuring freshness and supporting local farmers like Johnson’s Farm.

• Small-Batch Quality: Hand-stirred, preservative-free methods preserve authentic flavors and textures.

• Versatility: From breakfast spreads to gourmet glazes, pepper jellies elevate dishes with their sweet-spicy profile.

• Cultural Connection: These jellies blend Nebraska’s prairie traditions with modern culinary creativity, making them perfect for gifting or personal enjoyment.

Tips for Enjoying Nebraska Pepper Jelly

• Pairings: Serve with cream cheese and crackers for an easy appetizer, glaze meats like pork or chicken, or add to sandwiches for a flavor boost.

• Storage: Store unopened jars in a cool, dry place; refrigerate after opening to maintain freshness.

• Heat Control: If making your own, adjust heat by removing jalapeño seeds and veins for milder flavor or keeping them for more spice.

• Safety: Wear gloves when handling hot peppers like habaneros to avoid skin irritation from capsaicin.

Nebraska’s pepper jellies are a testament to the state’s ability to transform local produce into bold, versatile spreads. Whether you’re savoring Rafter 7S’s jalapeño jelly on a biscuit or Chili Dawg’s strawbanero on grilled salmon, these products bring a taste of Nebraska’s heartland to every bite.