Knowing when to pick jalapenos is the secret to getting the perfect level of heat from your garden. If you pick them to early, you might miss out on their full flavor, and if you wait to long, they could become to spicy for your taste. This guide will walk you through the simple signs that tell you exactly when to pick jalapenos2 – for perfect spiciness.
Getting the spice level just right depends on understanding a few key stages in the jalapeno’s growth. It’s not just about size or color, though those are important clues. The timing affects everything from the pepper’s crisp texture to its iconic kick.
Let’s look at the clear signals your plant gives you so you can harvest with confidence.
When to Pick Jalapenos2 – for Perfect Spiciness
The “2” in our keyword hints at a key idea: there’s often a second, optimal window for harvesting jalapenos. Many gardeners pick at the first sign of size, but waiting for the next stage can yield even better results. This section covers the primary indicators you need to know.
The Color Change: Your Biggest Visual Clue
Most jalapenos start out a deep, glossy green. This is the stage where they are commonly sold and used. Picking them green gives you a classic, bright flavor with a solid medium heat.
However, if you leave them on the plant longer, they will begin to change color. You’ll see streaks of red, purple, or even black start to appear. This is the start of the ripening process. A fully red jalapeno is ripe. At this stage, the pepper is sweeter, but it is also at its absolute hottest. The spiciness increases as it matures from green to red.
So, for perfect spiciness:
* Pick green for a traditional, sharp heat (around 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units).
* Pick while turning (with striations) for a more complex, building heat.
* Pick red for maximum sweetness and maximum spice (SHU can double).
Size and Firmness: The Feel Test
Color isn’t the only factor. A jalapeno’s size and how it feels in your hand are just as important. A mature jalapeno is typically between 2.5 to 3.5 inches long. It should feel firm and plump, like a crisp vegetable.
Give the pepper a gentle squeeze. It should be solid with a slight give, not soft or wrinkled. Soft spots can mean over-ripeness or the beginning of rot. The skin should be tight and glossy. If the pepper feels light for its size or has thin walls, it probably needs more time on the plant.
The “Corking” Phenomenon: Nature’s Spice Meter
This is one of the best natural signs for spice lovers. “Corking” appears as small, brownish-white lines or scars on the skin of the jalapeno. These are stretch marks caused by the pepper growing rapidly.
Many believe, and experience often confirms, that corked jalapenos are hotter. The theory is that the stress of rapid growth triggers more capsaicin production. Corking is a great sign that the pepper has reached a mature, potent stage. Don’t avoid these peppers—they’re often the prize of the harvest!
Time on the Vine: A General Timeline
From flower to harvestable fruit, jalapenos usually take about 70 to 80 days. After the small fruit forms, it will grow to full size in about 2-3 weeks. It will then remain in its mature green stage for another week or two before beginning to change color.
Keep a casual eye on them once they reach full size. The transition from green to red can happen suprisingly fast, sometimes in just a few days depending on weather.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Instructions
Harvesting correctly protects your plant and ensures the best quality peppers.
1. Use the right tools. Always use a clean pair of garden shears, scissors, or a sharp knife. Do not pull or twist the pepper off, as you can damage the brittle branches.
2. Make a clean cut. Cut the stem about half an inch to an inch above the top of the pepper. Leaving a short piece of stem attached helps the pepper stay fresh longer.
3. Handle with care. Place harvested peppers gently into a basket or bucket. Bruising can lead to spoilage.
4. Harvest regularly. Check your plants every couple of days during peak season. Frequent picking encourages the plant to produce more flowers and fruit.
What Happens If You Pick Too Early or Too Late?
Picking to early, when peppers are very small and pale green, results in less flavor and mild spiciness. The walls might be thin and the pepper won’t have developed its full character.
Picking to late, especially after a pepper has turned fully red and become soft, can lead to a mushy texture. While very spicy, it might be past its prime for fresh uses like slicing. Overripe peppers are perfect for drying or making into hot sauce, though.
Tailoring Your Harvest to Your Dishes
Your intended use can guide your timing.
* For stuffing (poppers): Pick large, firm, dark green peppers with thick walls. They hold their shape best.
* For fresh salsa or pico de gallo: Bright green, crisp peppers offer that classic fresh bite.
For smoking into chipotles: You must use fully ripe red jalapenos. Their higher sugar content is essential for the smoking process.
* For ferments or hot sauce: A mix of stages is great. Green peppers offer brightness, red peppers add sweetness and heat, and corked peppers bring extra fire.
Storing Your Harvested Jalapenos
To keep your perfectly picked peppers fresh:
* Short-term (1-2 weeks): Place unwashed peppers in a plastic bag in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
* Long-term: Jalapenos freeze beautifully. Wash, dry, and place them whole in a freezer bag. You can chop them frozen for cooking later. They also dry well in a dehydrator or a low oven.
* For immediate use: They can be left in a bowl on the counter for a few days if you plan to use them quickly.
FAQs: Your Jalapeno Harvest Questions Answered
Do jalapenos get hotter the longer they are on the plant?
Yes, generally they do. The capsaicin content increases as the pepper matures from green to red. A red jalapeno is typically significanly hotter than a green one.
Can you pick jalapenos when they are green?
Absolutely. Most jalapenos are harvested and sold while still green. This is a perfect stage for eating, offering a balanced heat and crisp texture.
What does it mean when a jalapeno turns purple?
Some jalapeno varieties, especially heirlooms, naturally turn a dark purple or almost black before maturing to red. This is normal and a sign of ripening, not a problem.
How big should a jalapeno be before you pick it?
Look for a length of about 3 inches, which is roughly the size of your thumb and two fingers. It should feel heavy for it’s size and have a firm, plump body.
Why are my homegrown jalapenos not spicy?
Several factors can affect heat. Overwatering, excessive nitrogen fertilizer, or very mild weather can produce milder peppers. Stressors like slightly less water or hotter weather often increase capsaicin.
Mastering when to pick jalapenos2 – for perfect spiciness turns gardening into a flavorful science. By paying attention to color, size, firmness, and the telltale signs of corking, you gain complete control over your harvest’s heat. Remember, the perfect time to pick is ultimately determined by your personal taste and how you plan to use your peppers. Keep checking your plants, use sharp tools for clean cuts, and don’t be afraid to experiment with picking at different stages. Your next batch of homemade salsa or poppers will thank you for the careful timing.