The seeds and membranes in chile peppers contain most of the capsaicin, the compound that lends them their mouth-searing qualities. Many recipes call for jalapeños with their seeds removed, and they are hot enough so you may want to wear protective gloves if you are preparing them in quantity. Jalapeños are often used for adding spice to basic dishes such as salsas, salads, and omelets but are widely enjoyed as a snack food in the guise of poppers, a popular pub snack, or sliced on top of nachos.