Peppers – Peak Picking Stage

Q: I grew cherry bomb peppers for the first time this year. Should they be picked while green or do you have to wait until they turn red?

A: Peppers are edible at any stage of color but the mix of heat and sweetness will differ. The highest concentration of capsaicin (heat) occurs as the pepper turns from green to red. As the red deepens, sugars and other flavors in the fruit develop. Let a few turn red and compare their taste with a couple that are still green.