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. 1-49 * * * * *