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