Hot Peppers

Get The Most Out of Your Hot Peppers from Backyard Eats

Harvesting Hot Peppers

When It’s Ready
  • Pick the first few peppers that reach maturity as soon as possible to promote further growth.
  • Habanero peppers will turn orange,
  • Jalapenos and Poblanos will stay green and get spicier the longer it grows.
  • Shishitos are mild, and shouldn’t have much spice at all.
When It’s Too Late
  •  Both Jalapeno and Poblano peppers will turn red if kept on the vine past their optimum harvesting range.
  • They will also grow spicier.
How To
  • Cut individual peppers from the plant, leaving a short stem above the calyx (the green part attached to the fruit)

Growing Hot Peppers

Hot peppers, also known as chili peppers, are a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world. They have a spicy and pungent flavor that ranges from mild to extremely hot, depending on the variety. Hot peppers are typically used as a seasoning or ingredient, and can be added to dishes either fresh or dried. They pair well with a variety of other ingredients, including garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Hot peppers can be used to add heat and depth of flavor to a range of dishes, including soups, stews, curries, and sauces.

Varieties of Hot Peppers:

Jalapeno Pepper | Shishito Pepper

Storing Hot Peppers

Fresh Storage: Peppers can be stored fresh for 1-6 weeks in the fridge.

Long-Term Storage: Peppers can be dried in a cool and dark place for long term usage.

Cooking With Hot Peppers

  1. Spicy Salsa: Dice hot peppers, such as jalapeños or serranos, and mix them with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Adjust the amount of peppers to your desired heat level for a fiery and flavorful salsa.
  2. Stuffed Hot Peppers: Slice hot peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds. Fill the pepper halves with a mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and herbs. Bake or grill until the peppers are tender and the filling is melted and golden.
  3. Spicy Stir-Fry: Slice or dice hot peppers and add them to stir-fries for an extra kick of heat. Pair them with other vegetables, meats, and your favorite stir-fry sauce for a spicy and flavorful dish.
  4. Hot Pepper Jelly: Blend hot peppers with sugar, vinegar, and pectin to create a sweet and spicy jelly. Use it as a condiment for cheeses, crackers, or as a glaze for meats.
  5. Pickled Hot Peppers: Slice hot peppers and pickle them in a mixture of vinegar, water, salt, and spices. Let them sit for a few days to develop tangy and spicy flavors. Use the pickled peppers as a condiment, in sandwiches, or to add heat to various dishes.

Want To Learn More?

At Backyard Eats, we’re passionate about helping our clients discover and share the magic of homegrown good. Our Harvest Guides will teach you everything you need to know to harvest, store, and cook with fresh produce right from your own backyard! Our Harvest Toolkit Directory includes a list of all our step-by-step guides. Click below to give them a try!