Banana peppers are best picked when they are mature in size and color, but the exact timing depends on the type and desired taste. For hot banana peppers, the ideal harvest time is when they reach 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length and have a bright yellow color. If you want more heat, you can let them ripen further to orange or red. Sweet banana peppers are best picked when they are 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long and have a yellowish-green to yellow hue for the best sweet crunch. The peppers should have firm, glossy skin without wrinkles. Picking the peppers at the yellow stage generally gives the best fresh flavor and crunchiness. If picked earlier (green), the taste may be more bitter, and if left to fully ripen to red, the texture will be softer and the flavor sweeter or spicier depending on the variety. In general, banana peppers take 60-100 days from planting to reach maturity. Harvesting them as they ripen will encourage more production on the plant. Key indicators to pick banana peppers:
- Size between 4-8 inches (depending on variety)
- Color change from green to yellow (or yellowish-green)
- Firm, glossy skin
- Easy to twist off the stem
After picking, they can continue ripening at room temperature but are best picked near ripe for optimal flavor.
