Picking jalapenos from the garden can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to do so at the right time in order to maximise their flavour.
This comprehensive guide will answer all of your questions about when to pick jalapenos from the garden, as well as provide some useful tips on how to get the most out of your harvest!
When to Harvest
The best time to harvest jalapenos is when they are about two inches long and have turned a deep green colour. However, if you want a milder flavour, you can pick them earlier.
To ensure a steady supply of peppers, you should plan on harvesting jalapenos every two to three days. This will help prevent the plant from becoming overloaded and produce smaller peppers.
When harvesting peppers, use sharp pruning shears or scissors to cut the stem cleanly away from the pepper. Be careful not to damage the plant in the process. [1]
How to Pick Jalapenos
The best time to pick jalapenos from your garden is when they are ripe. Jalapeno peppers are a type of chilli pepper that is typically used in Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.
Different types of jalapenos grow in different heat levels.
Here are a few tips on how to pick jalapenos from your garden:
- Wear gloves when you’re handling jalapenos! They contain a substance called capsaicin, which is what makes them spicy. If you get this substance on your skin, it can cause burning and irritation.
- Pick the peppers in the morning. This is when they are the freshest and have the most flavour.
- Be careful not to damage the plant. Jalapeno plants are delicate, so handle them with care.
If you follow these tips, you will be able to enjoy fresh, flavorful jalapenos from your own garden all summer long! [2]
Green vs. Red Jalapenos
People often ask if they should pick jalapenos when they are green or red. The answer to this question depends on what you want to use the jalapenos for. If you want to can or pickle them, then you will want to pick them when they are green. If you want to eat them fresh or make salsa, then you will want to wait until they are red.
Jalapeno peppers will start out green and then turn red as they mature. However, there are also varieties of jalapeno that stay green. These are called “green jalapenos” or “mild jalapenos.”
The reason that green jalapenos are milder is because they contain less capsaicin. Capsaicin is the compound in peppers that gives them their heat. As jalapenos mature and turn red, they will develop more capsaicin and become hotter. If you want your jalapenos to be as hot as possible, then you will want to pick them when they are still green.
You can pick your jalapenos at any stage between green and red. If you want a medium level of heat and flavour, then you should pick them when they are starting to turn red. Keep in mind that the longer you wait to pick them, the hotter they will be. [2]
What to Do With Fresh Jalapenos?
This is a great question with many answers. Some people like to pickle them, others slice them fresh for salads or tacos. Jalapenos can also be roasted and enjoyed as a side dish.
Another popular option is to make jalapeno poppers. These are little bites of heaven that are perfect for appetisers or snacks. To make jalapeno poppers, you stuff the jalapenos with cream cheese and then wrap them in bacon. They are then baked or grilled until the bacon is crispy.
If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can still enjoy jalapenos. Just remove the seeds and ribs before cooking with them. This will help to reduce the heat.
Getting Rid of Jalapeno Plants
Now that you know how to pick jalapenos from your garden, you may be wondering what to do with the plants themselves. The best way to get rid of them is by composting them. Composting jalapeno plants will give your other plants a nutrient boost, and it’s a great way to reduce waste.
To compost jalapeno plants, chop them up and add them to your compost bin. If you don’t have a compost bin, bury the chopped plants in your garden. Turn the soil over a few times so that the plants decompose evenly. [2]
What Happens If You Pick Jalapenos Too Early?
If you pick jalapenos too early, they will not be as hot. The heat in jalapenos comes from the capsaicin, which is concentrated in the ribs and seeds of the pepper. So if you pick them before they are fully mature, you will miss out on some of that heat.
Will Jalapenos Ripen After Picking?
No, jalapenos will not ripen after picking. They are at their peak ripeness when they are picked and will start to deteriorate from that point on.
If you have unripe jalapenos that you want to ripen, the best way to do so is to put them in a paper bag with an apple or banana. The ethylene gas that these fruits emit will speed up the ripening process. [3]
When Are Jalapenos The Hottest?
This is probably the most common question when it comes to jalapenos. The answer is that they are at their hottest right before they are ripe.
Jalapenos will start out green and then turn red, orange, or yellow when they are ripe. However, if you pick them when they are still green, they will be much hotter.
So, if you want the hottest jalapenos possible, you should pick them when they are green and just starting to turn colour. If you want milder jalapenos, you should wait until they are fully ripe.
Do Jalapenos Get Hotter When They Turn Red?
One common question about jalapeno peppers is whether or not they get hotter as they turn red. The answer to this is a bit complicated. While the capsaicin concentration does increase as the jalapeno pepper matures, that’s not the only factor that determines heat levels.
Jalapeno peppers grown in hot climates tend to be hotter than those grown in cooler climates, no matter what colour they are.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the heat level of jalapeno peppers can vary greatly, even within the same batch. So, if you’re looking for a specific level of heat, it’s best to taste test the peppers before using them.
What To Do With Jalapenos After Harvest?
Now that you know when to pick jalapenos from your garden, what do you do with them? Here are some ideas:
- Make homemade salsa. This is a great way to use up a lot of jalapenos at once.
- Pickle them. Jalapeno peppers are often used in pickling recipes.
- Freeze them. If you have more jalapenos than you can use right away, consider freezing them for later use.
- Dry them. You can also dry jalapeno peppers to make your own chilli powder.
As you can see, there are a lot of different ways to use jalapeno peppers from your garden. So get out there and start picking.
FAQ
What Happens If You Pick Jalapenos Too Early?
If you pick jalapenos too early, they will be small and green. They will also be less spicy.
Picking jalapeno peppers too early is a common mistake. The jalapeno pepper is a fruit that continues to ripen after it is picked. If you pick them too early, they will be small and green. They will also be less spicy.
To get the best flavour and spiciness, you should wait to pick jalapeno peppers until they are fully ripened. The skin of the pepper will be deep green or red, and the pepper will be about three inches long. Jalapeno peppers picked at this stage will be at their peak flavour and spiciness.
If you can’t wait to pick your jalapeno peppers, picking them when they are deep green will still give you a good pepper. It just won’t be as spicy or flavorful as a fully ripened pepper.
How Do You Pick Jalapeno Off the Plant?
To pick a jalapeno pepper, wait until the fruit is firm and has turned a deep green colour. Jalapeno peppers will be about two to three inches long when they are ready to harvest.
Use sharp pruning shears or scissors to cut the stem above the jalapeno pepper. Try to avoid touching the jalapeno pepper with your bare hands as the oils from the pepper can cause skin irritation.
It is best to pick jalapeno peppers in the morning hours before the sun gets too hot. The sun can cause the peppers to blister and this will affect their flavour. Jalapeno peppers can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. If you plan on using them later, they can also be frozen for up to six months.
When harvesting jalapeno peppers, be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin from the pepper’s oils. Jalapeno peppers can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salsa, chilli, and stews. They can also be pickled or used to make hot sauce.
How Big Should Jalapenos Grow Before Picking?
The answer is that it depends on what you plan to do with them. If you want to stuff them, pick them when they are about three inches long.
If you want to use them for nachos, pick them when they are about four inches long. If you wish to pick them for salsa, you can pick them when they are about six inches long.
Jalapenos will continue to grow after they are picked, so if you want to keep them on the plant longer, you can wait until they are a bit larger. Just be sure to check on them regularly so that they don’t get overripe.
Do Jalapenos Get Hotter When They Turn Red?
The jury is still out on this one. Some say that red jalapenos are indeed hotter than green jalapenos, while others claim that the heat level stays the same. If you’re looking for a spicier pepper, you may want to try a different variety altogether.
Jalapeno plants typically produce fruit for about 60 days. Once the peppers start to appear, you’ll want to check on them daily. Jalapenos are ready to harvest when they’re about three inches long and have reached their full colour – whether that’s green, red, or something in between.
To pick a jalapeno, use your fingers or shears to snap the stem right above the pepper. Be careful not to touch the peppers with your bare hands, as the oils can cause skin irritation.
If you’re not planning on using your jalapenos right away, you can store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. After that, they’ll start to lose their flavour.
How Do I Know When Peppers are Ready to Be Picked?
The best way to tell if a pepper is ripe and ready to be picked is to look at the colour. Jalapenos will typically start out green and then turn red, orange, or yellow when they are ripe. You can also gently squeeze the pepper to see if it’s soft enough to eat. If it feels firm, it’s not quite ready yet.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the size of the pepper doesn’t necessarily dictate how ripe it is. Some peppers will stay small even when they are fully ripened, so don’t be fooled by size alone.
If you’re not sure whether or not a pepper is ready to be picked, err on the side of caution and wait a few more days. It’s better to pick a pepper that is slightly under ripe than one that is overripe and past its prime.
Once you’ve picked your peppers, be sure to use them within a week or so for the best flavour. If you need to store them for longer, you can put them in the fridge or freezer.
Do Jalapeños Ripen After Being Picked?
The answer is no, jalapeños do not continue to ripen after being picked. Once they are harvested, they will remain at the same stage of ripeness. This is why it’s important to pick them at the right time so that they are as ripe as possible.
There are a few signs that you can look for to determine when a jalapeño is ripe and ready to be picked.
- Firstly, you want to look at the colour of the pepper. Jalapeños start out green and then they turn red or orange when they are ripe. If you’re not sure what colour your jalapeños should be, it’s best to err on the side of caution and pick them when they are still green.
- Another thing to look at is the size of the pepper. Jalapeños can range in size from two inches all the way up to eight inches. The smaller peppers will usually be more mild while the larger ones will be hotter. So, if you want a milder pepper, you should pick the smaller ones.
- Finally, you want to take a look at the stem of the pepper. If the stem is starting to wilt or turn brown, that’s a sign that the pepper is getting old and it’s time to pick it.
Useful Video: When to Pick Jalapenos
Conclusion
Jalapeno peppers can be a delicious and healthy addition to your diet, but only if they are picked at the right time. By understanding when jalapenos are ready to harvest, you can ensure that you get the most out of your garden.
We hope this article has helped you learn more about harvesting jalapeno peppers and that you will put what you’ve learned into practice in your own garden.
References:
- https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/when-to-pick-jalapeno-peppers
- https://peppergeek.com/harvesting-jalapenos
- https://growhotpeppers.com/when-to-pick-jalapenos/