Jalapeño Help Needed

I'm growing jalapeños for the first time this year. How do I know when to pick them?

I'm growing jalapeños for the first time this year. How do I know when to pick them?

Ted,

Jalapeños may be picked almost anytime. When green I would let them grow to at least 3 inches in length, (and if you like to try the ripe, just let them stay on the plant until they turn a dark red in color. Usually once the pepper starts to turn red it won't grow any larger. Theses red jalapeños are used by the Hispanic community to make chipolte peppers. chipotle is dried and used in the off season, and also canned or jarred in an adobo sauce. I like the flavor of chipotle very much, but find that for most people a little goes a long way.

While the topic is at hand... I know it is the case the the heat of jalapeno peppers varies greatly. I have had fiery ones and totally bland ones. I was told that the spiciness occurs in direct proportion to the amount of sunlight the fruit receives: more sun = more heat. Does anyone know whether this is true?

In general, it's the stress that the plant experiences (as in having a minimum amount of water--one reason chiles can be so hot in NM). Hot dry days with sun.

I like the flavor of chipotle very much, but find that for most people a little goes a long way.

Thanks Bob. I guess one's almost ready to harvest, then. I like 'em hot, too.

In general, it's the stress that the plant experiences (as in having a minimum amount of water--one reason chiles can be so hot in NM). Hot dry days with sun.

Thank you. Interesting! What you say reminds me of conditions that make grapes more flavorful, too.

[Jenise]

In general, it's the stress that the plant experiences (as in having a minimum amount of water--one reason chiles can be so hot in NM). Hot dry days with sun.

Isn't it also true that something like one in every 12, on average, will be exceptionally hot? I have believed this to be true and certainly reflective of my experience, but that may due to the vagaries of commercial growing conditions and not what you'd experience from your own plant.

Sure. I don't know what the averages are, but even Big Jims are occasionally really hot.