Knowing when are cubanelle peppers ready to pick is key to getting the best flavor from your garden. These sweet, mild peppers are a kitchen favorite, and harvesting them at the right time makes all the difference.
This guide will show you exactly what to look for. We’ll cover the signs of ripeness, the best picking techniques, and what to do if you pick them a bit early. You’ll be a confident harvester in no time.
When Are Cubanelle Peppers Ready To Pick
Cubanelle peppers are ready to pick when they are ripe and brightly colored. This is the simple answer, but there’s more to it. The ideal stage depends a bit on your personal taste and how you plan to use them.
Most gardeners agree that the peak flavor happens at full color. But you can pick them earlier if you prefer. Let’s break down the stages so you can decide.
The Color Progression of Cubanelle Peppers
Cubanelle peppers don’t start out bright. They go through a clear color change as they mature on the plant.
- Immature Stage (Green): The peppers start as a pale, glossy green. They are firm and usable at this stage, but the flavor is more grassy and less sweet.
- Transition Stage: You’ll see streaks of yellow, orange, or light red begin to appear. The color change starts at the blossom end (the bottom) and moves upward.
- Ripe Stage: The pepper turns a uniform, bright color. This is usually a light yellow, orange, or even a soft red. The skin becomes slightly softer and the flavor sweetens noticeably.
The final color can vary slightly between plants. Some cubanelles mature to a banana-yellow, others to a vibrant orange-red. The key is that bright, even hue.
Key Signs of Ripeness Beyond Color
Color is the main signal, but your other senses help too. Check these boxes before you snip.
- Firmness: A ripe cubanelle will feel firm but with a slight give. It shouldn’t be rock-hard like an immature pepper, nor should it be wrinkled or soft.
- Size: They are typically 4 to 6 inches long when mature. If your pepper has reached its expected length and has good color, it’s ready.
- Skin Texture: The skin loses its high-gloss shine and becomes more matte. It should look smooth and taught, not dull or wrinkling.
If you here a faint, hollow sound when you gently squeeze, that’s another good indicator of full development. The walls will be thick and crisp.
How to Pick Cubanelle Peppers Correctly
Picking them the right way protects the plant and ensures a clean harvest. Never just pull or twist the pepper off.
- Use a clean, sharp pair of garden scissors or pruning shears.
- Locate the stem where it connects to the main branch of the plant.
- Cut the stem about half an inch above the pepper’s cap. Leave a small piece of stem attached to the pepper.
- This clean cut helps the pepper last longer in storage and prevents damage to the plant’s branches.
Place the picked peppers gently into a basket or bucket. Avoid piling them to high to prevent bruising. Handle them with care, as the skin can be thin.
What If You Pick Them Green?
You can absolutely pick cubanelle peppers while they are still green. Many traditional recipes, like sofrito, actually call for green cubanelles.
The flavor will be milder and less sweet, with a more vegetal taste. They are still delicious. Picking some green peppers can also encourage the plant to produce more fruit.
If you have a short growing season and frost is coming, go ahead and harvest all peppers, green or not. They are better in your kitchen than lost to the cold.
Encouraging More Peppers to Ripen
Regular harvesting is the best way to get more peppers. When you pick fruit promptly, the plant directs it’s energy into making new flowers and peppers.
Keep the plant healthy with consistent watering, especially during dry spells. A layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture. A balanced fertilizer applied mid-season can give them a boost if your soil needs it.
Make sure they get plenty of sun. At least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight is needed for strong growth and good fruit set. If plants are too shaded, ripening will slow down.
Storing and Using Your Harvest
Freshly picked cubanelle peppers are best used within a week. Store them unwashed in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
For longer storage, you have several great options:
- Freezing: Wash, seed, and chop them. Spread on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll be soft when thawed but perfect for cooking.
- Roasting and Freezing: Roast them until the skin chars, peel, remove seeds, and freeze. This gives you ready-to-use peppers for sauces and soups.
- Drying: String them up or use a dehydrator to make your own dried peppers for grinding or rehydrating.
In the kitchen, their sweet, mild flavor shines. They are fantastic for frying, stuffing, adding to salads, or using in any dish where you want pepper flavor without intense heat. They are sometimes called “Italian frying peppers” for good reason.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes peppers don’t cooperate. Here’s what might be happening.
Peppers Staying Green Too Long
If your peppers are full-sized but stubbornly green, be patient. The shift to yellow or red happens at the end of the maturation process. Cool weather can delay it. Ensure they have enough warmth and sun.
Peppers with Soft Spots or Wrinkles
This is often a sign of over-ripeness or the start of decay. Pick any peppers like this immediately and compost them. Check your watering, as uneven moisture can sometimes cause problems with the fruit’s texture.
Sunscald on Peppers
Pale, leathery patches on the side facing the sun mean sunscald. The fruit is essentially sunburned. It happens when there’s not enough leaf cover to shade the peppers. Using plants with good foliage helps prevent this, but it’s usually only a cosmetic issue on the skin.
FAQ: Your Cubanelle Pepper Questions Answered
How long does it take for cubanelle peppers to turn color?
After reaching full size, it can take 2 to 3 weeks for the full color change from green to yellow or red. The warmer the weather, the faster this process tends to be.
Can you eat cubanelle peppers when they are green?
Yes, green cubanelle peppers are edible and commonly used. They are milder and less sweet than the fully colored, ripe peppers.
What is the difference between a cubanelle and a banana pepper?
They are similar but distinct. Cubanelles are slightly longer, thinner-walled, and have a more complex, sweeter flavor when ripe. Banana peppers are often a bit milder and can be either sweet or hot.
Will picked green peppers ripen off the vine?
Peppers will slowly change color off the vine if they already started the process. A fully mature green pepper may turn red if kept in a warm, sunny spot. But a pepper picked very early will likely not develop its full sweetness and may just wrinkle instead.
How do you know if a pepper is overripe?
An overripe cubanelle pepper will become dull in color, develop wrinkles, and feel soft or mushy. The skin may thin and split. It’s best to pick them before this stage for the best texture.
Harvesting your cubanelle peppers at the right time is rewarding. By waiting for that bright, even color and firm feel, you’ll enjoy their best possible flavor. Remember to use sharp tools for picking and to handle your harvest gently. With these tips, you’ll make the most of your pepper plants all season long.