When are habanero peppers ready to pick? This is the question that many people who are new to the world of hot sauce ask. Many new pepper fanatics and old-school purists alike debate this question almost daily. They will argue for months, which they think is the right time to pick habaneros.
There are several things that you need to consider before you decide to use the word “hot” when describing these peppers. First, you must determine the heat level you want from your habanero pepper. Different peppers will achieve a different heat level. The hotter they are the more heat is delivered to the taste of the pepper. And the less heat is delivered, the milder the flavor and aroma will be.
You will also need to consider what the preferred temperature is outside. If it is extremely hot out, then you should stay away from that pepper. It will not deliver the heat level needed to really enjoy the flavor. The same holds true if it is extremely cold outside. Again, a cooler temperature is desired to keep the heat level down.
Now that you have determined the heat level you are looking for, you must also determine when are habanero peppers ready to pick. The best way to do this is by actually picking them. Hold the pepper up to your nose and take a good whiff. The longer the scent has aged on your nasal passages, the sweeter is the smell. If it smells like wood polish, then it is still fresh.
Once you have determined when are habanero peppers ready to pick, it is time to get to the business of cutting it open. A good idea is to slice it into thin strips. Once they are sliced, transfer them to a bowl. Add some oil to the bowl and turn the burner on medium heat. Once it starts to whistle, it is ready to be removed.
When the pepper begins to steam, remove it from the burner and place it in the pan. Add some oil to the pan as well. Once all of the ingredients are heated through, cover the pan tightly and let it sit for approximately twenty minutes. This allows all of the steam to permeate the pepper, giving you maximum flavor from each slice. Make sure not to open the bottle until the time is up.
The next step is to extract the delicious juice from the habanero pepper. To do this, first cut off the stem end of the pepper and then use a cheese grater to grate the seeds and the heart of the pepper. Now fill a glass with ice and pour in about two to three cups of the mixture. Place the filled glass on the table and let it soak for about ten to fifteen minutes. Once the mixture has absorbed all of the liquid, strain it through a strainer into a bowl. If there are any large pieces of seeds or pieces of fat that are left over, these can be saved for another use.
When the piece of fruit reaches a desired level of crispiness, remove it from the heat source and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once the fruit has cooled completely, it can be picked off with a shredder. Repeat this process for the remaining habanero pepper pieces. Once the pepper is picked, allow it to cool and store in an airtight container.
Pickling is a popular way to preserve habanero peppers. Simply fill in a can or bottle with water and pour in the spice. Seal tightly with a lid and let it sit for four to six hours. Uncover it after twelve hours and toss into a sterilized storage bottle. The bottles should be put in the fridge for two to three days, but some brands of cans may not last that long. Once the bottles are opened, they should be stored in a cool, dark place where they will remain safe from bacteria and other harmful elements.
For maximum freshness, store habanero peppers in their original containers. These peppers have been Harvested and should be harvested just as they are. Pouring the spice out means you are getting rid of the spiciness and flavor. To maintain the heat and flavor, store them in a refrigerator. This will also help prevent the peppers from browning too much while they age.
Now that you know when are habanero peppers ready to pick? If you are a new cook or just love the taste of habanero hot peppers, you should consider trying your hand at making habanero hot sauce. It’s easy, cheap, and your friends and family will love what you make.
