The first peppers should be ready to pick just 10-12 weeks after transplanting. Harvesting the fruit as it matures encourages the plant to continue producing. Jalapenos are mature when they become a deep, dark green. Most other hot peppers should be picked after a color change from green. Your hot pepper plants should continue to produce until the first frost in the fall although production slows as the weather cools.
Hot peppers are mainly used in sauces and flavoring. However, peppers have countless other uses:
- They are good raw or cooked.
- Eat them as a snack, on sandwiches, to decorate food, or add them to salads, casseroles and pizza.
- Stuff peppers with seasoned bread crumbs, cheese or meat, and bake.
- Pickle them in vinegar with other crisp vegetables.
- Dry peppers in a dehydrator for seasonings.
- Freeze for future use.
- Share with your friends and neighbors
Store peppers in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator or in other covered containers. Use them within 7-10 days after harvesting.
Wayne Blonn, Smith Co. Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Vegetables & Herbs Index
Gardening Tips For NorthEast Texas Index
East Texas Piney Woods Gardening Home Page