Are your jalapeños ripe?

There is so much conflicting information about how to choose a ripe jalapeño pepper, I wanted to get a clear answer. Recently, while on a Field Day down in California, I got my chance to ask the pepper product manager, Corey Dombrowski, at Sakata. Here is what he said:

• mature seed has a tan color, rather than white



• fruit is very firm



• fruit may start to check and scar



• will turn to red when fully mature, but mostly jalapeños are harvested in the green ripe stage

What about when the fruit turns mottled black colors?

• when the fruit turns black, it is due to cold or hot weather, not ripeness. The stress brings the anthocyanin pigments out, and it is no longer industry standard.

Thanks Corey! Happy harvesting of your (ripe) jalapeños, everyone!