Harvesting Chilies

jonny2510

I have a number of Chili plants, with a few chilies growing on each.

How do I know when they are ready to harvest?

The reason I ask is I picked one that looked ready around 2 weeks ago, and ate it there and then, but the skin was a bit softer than I am used to (i.e. supermarket bought), and it just didn't taste quite right.

So....

When should I harvest them? (If it makes a difference, I like them as hot as possible)

Also do I need to leave them for a few days before use, or are they ready to use after being picked?

TonyMMM

What variety are they ? ..... taste/strength can vary hugely between different types.

jonny2510

TonyMMM wrote: »

What variety are they ? ..... taste/strength can vary hugely between different types.

Hmm, no idea. All seeds / plants etc got really mixed up, so could be anything.

mrbadexample

What I want to know, as a new chilli grower, is how do you harvest them? i.e. do you snap them off from the growth point, a bit like tomatoes, or cut them?

annie123

mrbadexample wrote: »

What I want to know, as a new chilli grower, is how do you harvest them? i.e. do you snap them off from the growth point, a bit like tomatoes, or cut them?

I cut mine with a pair of scissors close to the plant, leaving the stem attached to the chili, so I can sew them together and hang up to dry if not being eaten straight away.

mrbadexample

annie123 wrote: »

I cut mine with a pair of scissors close to the plant, leaving the stem attached to the chili, so I can sew them together and hang up to dry if not being eaten straight away.

Where do you hang them? I'm expecting a glut.

annie123

anywhere I can find!
I have a tall cupboard in the kitchen and have 2 cup hooks on the inside that both get chilly garlands, then I move onto picture hooks on a picture rail, my idea of art..........edible:D

Lotus-eater

mrbadexample wrote: »

Where do you hang them? I'm expecting a glut.

I freeze mine, I prefer them to drying. Just stick them whole in a bag and in the freezer.
When you take them out, they cut up beautifully and go straight into whatever you are cooking, as a fresh chilli.
I've still got a load from a huge harvest last year.

jeferey

mrbadexample wrote: »

Where do you hang them? I'm expecting a glut.

I hang mine in an airy shed (it's on the side of the house and open at one end !
They dry brilliantly there along with my onions.
I strung some of them up like annie123 and hung the rest of the plants upside down with peppers still attached. I am still eating them from last year

jonny2510

Anyone care to comment as to when they are ready to harvest?

mrbadexample

I think my red ones are ready: