When Is a Hot Banana Pepper Ripe?

Significance

• If ripeness determines maturity, the hot banana pepper is not fully ripe until turning red at the end of the growing season. However hot banana pepper varieties, among other peppers, can be picked and pickled, dried or eaten before full ripeness.

Identification

• Hot banana peppers begin life on the plant as small green, elongated fruits and grow in length and color. As the pepper ages and comes closer to maturity it changes from a green or yellow-green color to red or orange-red.

Considerations

• Harvest hot banana peppers when they are green for a less spicy treat, as peppers grow hotter as they mature. Use a knife or scissors to harvest ripe and unripe banana peppers. Harvest immature peppers early to encourage another yield.