Knowing when to pick chili peppers is the secret to getting the best flavor and heat from your plants. This guide will help you identify the perfect ripeness for every type of pepper you grow.
Harvesting at the right time makes all the difference. It affects not just taste, but also how well your plant continues to produce. Let’s look at the simple signs that tell you your peppers are ready.
When To Pick Chili Peppers
This main heading covers the core principles. The timing depends largely on the color you want and the pepper variety.
Understanding Color and Ripeness
Most chili peppers start green and change color as they mature. A green pepper is simply unripe. It will have a sharper, sometimes bitter flavor.
The final color—red, orange, yellow, purple, or brown—is the true, ripe color. This is when sugars develop, creating a complex, sweeter, and often hotter pepper.
- For Green Flavor: Pick anytime after the pepper reaches its full size, even if it’s still green. Jalapeños are often used this way.
- For Full Ripeness: Wait for the final color. This is essential for making paprika or for the classic red cayenne or habanero flavor.
The Feel Test: Firmness and Texture
A ripe pepper should feel firm and taut. Gently squeeze it. It should have a slight give but not feel soft or wrinkled.
Avoid peppers with soft spots or shriveled skin. This indicates over-ripeness or the beginning of rot. The skin should be glossy and tight.
Signs of Over-Ripening
If left too long, peppers will start to dry on the plant. They may also become dull in color and feel less firm. This isn’t always bad if you want to save seeds or make dried chilies.
Timing Your Harvest
Peppers ripen from the bottom of the plant upwards. Check the lower branches first. The process can take weeks after the pepper reaches full size, so be patient.
Weather plays a role. Cool temperatures slow ripening, while consistent warmth speeds it up. A sudden frost will end your season, so pick all remaining fruit if one is forecasted.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Guide
Follow these steps to pick your peppers without harming the plant.
1. Gather Your Tools
You need a pair of clean, sharp garden snips or scissors. Do not pull or twist peppers off by hand. This can break entire branches.
2. Locate the Stem Node
Look at where the pepper’s stem connects to the plant branch. You’ll see a small bump or joint. This is called a node.
3. Make the Cut
Cut the pepper’s stem about half an inch above this node. Leaving this extra stem on the pepper helps prevent it from rotting quickly in storage.
Cutting above the node also encourages the plant to produce new growth at that spot, potentially leading to more peppers.
4. Handle With Care
Place harvested peppers gently into a basket or bucket. Avoid piling them too high, as the weight can bruise the ones at the bottom.
Post-Harvest Handling and Storage
What you do after picking is just as important. Proper care extends their usability.
Washing and Drying
Gently wash peppers in cool water to remove dirt. Pat them completely dry with a towel. Any leftover moisture can lead to mold.
Let them air dry on a rack for an hour before storing to be extra safe.
Short-Term Storage (Fresh Use)
For peppers you’ll use in the next week or two, place them in a paper bag or a perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. They stay fresh this way for up to two weeks.
Long-Term Preservation
You have several excellent options for keeping your harvest for months.
- Freezing: The easiest method. Wash, dry, and place whole peppers on a tray to freeze. Once solid, transfer to airtight freezer bags. They’ll last over a year.
- Drying: Perfect for making chili flakes. Use a food dehydrator, a low oven, or string them up in a warm, dry, airy place. Ensure they are completely brittle before storing.
- Pickling: A great way to preserve flavor. Use a simple vinegar brine for tangy, crunchy peppers that last for months in the fridge.
Common Chili Pepper Types and Their Cues
Different peppers have slightly different signs. Here’s a quick reference.
Jalapeños
Pick green for a crisp, bright heat. For a sweeter, hotter pepper with “corking” (brown lines on the skin), wait until they turn a deep, dark red.
Habaneros and Scotch Bonnets
Always wait for their final color—bright orange, red, or yellow. Their incredible fruity flavor only develops fully when ripe. They will feel slightly waxy when ready.
Cayenne and Thai Bird’s Eye
These are typically harvested when fully red and firm. They are often dried, so you can also leave them on the plant to start drying if the weather is dry.
Bell Peppers
While not always considered “chili,” the rule is the same. Green bells are unripe. For sweeter red, yellow, or orange bells, allow them to fully change color on the plant.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Peppers Not Turning Color
If your peppers stay green for a long time, it’s usually a temperature issue. Ensure they get plenty of direct sun and warmth. As nights get cooler in fall, ripening slows.
You can pick them and they may ripen indoors on a sunny windowsill, though flavor is best when ripened on the plant.
Should I Pick Flowers or Small Peppers?
Late in the season, it’s a good idea to pinch off any new flowers or very tiny fruits. This directs the plant’s energy into ripening the existing, larger peppers before frost arrives.
Dealing with Pests and Damage
If a pepper has a small hole or bite mark from a pest, it’s best to pick it immediately. Use it quickly, cutting away the damaged part. This prevents bugs from spreading and keeps the plant healthy.
FAQ
Can you pick chili peppers when they are green?
Yes, absolutely. Many chili varieties are picked and used while still green. The flavor will be more vegetal and sharp, which is perfect for many salsas and fresh dishes.
How do you know when chili peppers are ready to pick?
Check for full size, a firm feel, and a glossy sheen. For ripe flavor, wait for the color change from green to the pepper’s final hue, like red or orange.
Do peppers get hotter the longer you leave them on the plant?
Generally, yes. The capsaicin content (which creates the heat) continues to increase as the pepper matures and changes color. A red jalapeño is usually hotter than a green one.
What time of day is best for picking chili peppers?
The ideal time is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the afternoon heat. Peppers are most crisp and hydrated then, which helps with storage.
Will picked green peppers turn red after harvesting?
Sometimes, but not always. If they have started the ripening process (showing a little color change), they may continue to turn red indoors. Fully green peppers likely will not. Their flavor also won’t sweeten like a plant-ripened pepper.
Mastering the art of picking chili peppers takes a little observation. Start by checking your plants regularly. Notice how the peppers look and feel at different stages.
Remember, you are in control. You can choose the green stage for one recipe and the ripe stage for another. Experiment to find what you prefer for each type of pepper you grow. With these tips, you’ll confidently harvest your peppers at their peak.