How to Know When Chillies Are Ready to Pick
Not all chillies are harvested at the same colour. While many start green and ripen to red, some turn orange, yellow, or even chocolate brown when fully mature. Here's a list of popular chilli varieties and their ripening colour:
| Chilli | Ripens To |
|---|---|
| Jalapeño | Green to red |
| Cayenne | Green to red |
| Habanero | Green to orange or red |
| Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper) | Green to red or orange |
| Carolina Reaper | Green to red |
| Havana Gold | Green to golden yellow |
Chillies can technically be picked at any stage, but allowing them to ripen fully on the plant improves flavour and heat. Ripe chillies are usually glossier and come off the plant with less resistance.
If you're saving seeds, wait until the chilli is completely ripe before picking.