1-1  By:  Thompson, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Lucio)       H.C.R. No. 105
    1-2        (In the Senate - Received from the House April 3, 1995;
    1-3  April 4, 1995, read first time and referred to Committee on State
    1-4  Affairs; April 25, 1995, reported favorably by the following vote:
    1-5  Yeas 10, Nays 0; April 25, 1995, sent to printer.)
    1-6                      HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
    1-7        WHEREAS, The State of Texas has traditionally recognized a
    1-8  variety of official state symbols that embody the proud spirit and
    1-9  rich heritage of our state; and
   1-10        WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the pecan tree, and the ruby red
   1-11  grapefruit are examples of natural specimens that serve to
   1-12  exemplify the abundance and diversity of the Texas landscape; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the designation of the
   1-14  jalapeno as the official State Pepper of Texas will provide
   1-15  suitable recognition for this delicious and indispensable staple of
   1-16  Texas cuisine; and
   1-17        WHEREAS, Capsicums, more commonly called peppers, provided
   1-18  nourishment for Native Americans in central Mexico as early as
   1-19  9,000 years ago and, following the voyage of Columbus to the
   1-20  Americas, became a popular addition to the diets of people
   1-21  throughout the world; and
   1-22        WHEREAS, The most popular variety of capsicum, the jalapeno,
   1-23  is considered by many Lone Star citizens to be an essential
   1-24  ingredient in chili, our official State Dish; found in salsa and
   1-25  queso, the ubiquitous jalapeno is used by Texans to add zest to
   1-26  even the most common American dishes, and many brave souls have
   1-27  been known to consume the fiery foodstuff in its raw and pickled
   1-28  states; and
   1-29        WHEREAS, In addition to pleasing Texas palates, jalapenos are
   1-30  an important agricultural crop in the Lone Star State, which leads
   1-31  the nation in jalapeno production and consumption; these savory
   1-32  peppers are also a hot commodity in the national marketplace, with
   1-33  demand growing at an estimated 15 to 20 percent each year; and
   1-34        WHEREAS, Jalapenos get their distinctive sting from
   1-35  capsaicin, a chemical used to treat arthritis, shingles, sore
   1-36  muscles, and nerve disorders and believed by many researchers to be
   1-37  effective in the fight against cancer and heart disease; the
   1-38  remarkable health benefits of these small but potent peppers are
   1-39  compounded by the fact that they contain as much vitamin A as
   1-40  carrots and more than twice the vitamin C of oranges and lemons;
   1-41  and
   1-42        WHEREAS, A culinary, economic, and medical blessing to the
   1-43  citizens of the Lone Star State, the jalapeno is widely recognized
   1-44  as an emblem of our state and is a distinctive reminder of our
   1-45  state's unique heritage and diverse culture; now, therefore, be it
   1-46        RESOLVED, That the 74th Legislature of the State of Texas
   1-47  hereby designate the jalapeno as the official State Pepper of
   1-48  Texas.
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