Tabasco peppers are a popular variety of hot chili peppers used to make the iconic Tabasco hot sauce. If you’ve decided to grow your own Tabasco peppers, knowing when they are ready to harvest is key. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about identifying when your Tabasco peppers are ripe and ready to pick.
About Tabasco Peppers
Tabasco peppers (Capsicum frutescens) are a cultivar of hot peppers originating from Mexico. They are named after the Mexican state of Tabasco where they are frequently grown.
Tabasco peppers grow on small bushes that get between 2 and 4 feet tall. The peppers are green when they’re young, but turn red when they’re ready. They are long and thin and can get up to 2 to 3 inches long.
These peppers pack some serious heat, rating between 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units. That’s around the same level of heat as jalapeño peppers. When dried and smoked, Tabasco peppers take on a rich, smoky flavor.
Of course, most people know Tabasco peppers as the key ingredient in Tabasco brand hot sauce The iconic sauce consists of tabasco peppers, vinegar, and salt Just a few drops can spice up any dish.
When Do Tabasco Peppers Ripen?
Tabasco peppers typically take around 80-90 days to ripen after transplanting seedlings outdoors. However, ripening time can vary depending on your climate and growing conditions.
Here are some general guidelines for Tabasco pepper ripening:
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In warmer climates: Tabasco peppers may ripen sooner, in around 60-75 days. Warm weather accelerates growth.
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It will probably take about 90 to 100 days for Tabasco peppers to fully ripen in cooler places. Peppers prefer hot weather.
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With changes in temperature: If there are big changes between day and night, the fruit will take longer to ripen. Consistent warmth is best.
When you move young Tabasco pepper plants into your garden, the ripening process begins. It takes about eight weeks from when the seeds sprout to when they are moved indoors or in a greenhouse.
So overall, you can expect around 3-4 months from seed to ripe Tabasco pepper harvest. Keep this in mind when planning your garden!
How To Tell When Tabasco Peppers Are Ready To Pick
Waiting for hot peppers to ripen requires patience! But there are some clear signs that your Tabasco peppers are fully ripe and ready to harvest:
Color Change
The most obvious indicator is a change in color. Tabasco peppers will transition from green to bright red when ripe.
However, not all peppers on a plant will ripen simultaneously. It’s common for some peppers to remain green even as others redden. So color alone doesn’t give the full picture.
Glossy Sheen
As Tabasco peppers ripen, they take on a glossy, shiny appearance. The smooth skin looks vibrant and reflects light.
An overly dull or matte texture usually means the pepper isn’t ripe yet. The glossiness indicates peak ripeness.
Firmness
A ripe Tabasco pepper will feel firm and rigid when gently squeezed. As peppers over-ripen, they begin to soften and lose structural integrity.
Test firmness on several peppers per plant. An occasional soft pepper is normal, but most should feel very firm.
Size & Length
Tabasco peppers are considered ripe when they reach their expected mature size – generally 2-3 inches in length.
Don’t pick peppers prematurely or they won’t have full flavor. Leave them on the plant until the majority have grown to an appropriate size and length.
Dry Stem & Calyx
Check where the pepper connects to the stem and branches (the calyx). At peak ripeness, this area will look dry and brittle rather than fresh and green.
A dried, brownish calyx signals that water and nutrient flow between plant and pepper has stopped, meaning it’s ready for picking.
Harvest Window
Remember, ripe Tabasco peppers won’t remain in prime condition on the plant indefinitely. Most gardeners recommend harvesting within 1-2 weeks of peppers reaching full maturity.
Letting them sit too long risks sun scald, rot, or loss of flavor. Be sure to check plants frequently once peppers start reddening.
Harvesting Ripe Tabasco Peppers
When your Tabasco peppers pass the ripeness tests above, it’s time to harvest! Here are some tips for harvesting:
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Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stem 1⁄4 inch above the calyx. Be careful not to damage other peppers.
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Handle peppers gently to avoid bruising. Don’t tug or twist.
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Harvest peppers individually as they ripen, rather than clearing entire plants. This allows remaining peppers to continue ripening.
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Check plants every 2-4 days once peppers start reddening. Harvest promptly when ripe.
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Wash peppers soon after picking and pat dry. Store properly to preserve freshness.
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Leave the green peppers on plants to ripen more. Harvest them once most turn red.
That covers the basics of identifying ripeness and harvesting your homegrown Tabasco peppers! With some patience and attentive care, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful crop of fiery Tabascos perfect for hot sauce making and spicing up meals.
Duration of Flowering
The flowering stage of the Tabasco pepper typically lasts between 2 to 4 weeks. This period is crucial as it sets the stage for fruit development.
Duration of Vegetative Growth
The vegetative growth stage of the Tabasco pepper typically lasts between 4 to 8 weeks. This period is crucial as the plant establishes itself and prepares for the next phases of growth.
Tabasco Sauce Pt 1 Picking, Prepping, and Parting
FAQ
What color are ripe Tabasco peppers?
Tabasco peppers start out green and ripen to orange and then red.
Will Tabasco peppers ripen off the vine?
And yes, Tabasco peppers can ripen off the vine. But they will only keep ripening if they started to ripen while they were still on the plant. Peppers that are fully developed but still green can be harvested and will eventually turn red.
When can you eat Tabasco peppers?
Tabasco peppers are usually picked when they’re ripe or bright red, because they’re much sweeter and fruitier at that point than other peppers.