Why Are My Jalapenos Turning Black?

As jalapenos begin to ripen, they will first turn from bright green to a darker green. Then, the peppers will turn black (usually in splotches or streaks), and finally to a red color. Ripening is the most common reason jalapenos turn black. They don’t simply change from green straight to red.

Why are my peppers turning black?

Peppers can sometimes naturally turn black (or dark purple) during the ripening process. The skin can also turn black when exposed to excess sunlight or cold temperatures. Some pepper varieties are more prone to getting this dark purple or black discoloration, such as jalapenos and some bell peppers.

Are black jalapenos hotter?

Despite the dramatic appearance, they are about as mild as the typical jalapeño found in your grocery store’s produce section. A black jalapeño will give you 2,500 to 10,000 Scoville heat units. The upper limit puts it potentially on par with a serrano pepper (10,000 to 23,000 SHU.)

What causes jalapeno peppers to turn black on the vine?

It usually occurs if there is too much moisture from rain or excessive watering around your ripening jalapeno plants. Keep the fruit dry when watering by only watering the soil at the base of the plant to prevent black rot.

Are black jalapenos OK to eat?

Black jalapeno pepper plant. Sometimes called ‘purple jalapeno,’ there are several cultivars of jalapenos that are naturally dark in color before ripening. This trait is fairly common in the Capsicum annuum species, and is actually quite desirable.

Jalapenos turning black on the plant are a natural part of the growth and ripening process of the pepper. In fact, this is a signal that it may be time to harvest the jalapeno. The pepper should be picked when it has taken on a blackish-green color.

What is the difference between black jalapeños and green jalapeños?

Besides color, Black Jalapenos are known for being more juicy and sweet as compared to the green Jalapeno. You can grow these Jalapenos in containers and get pods that typically measure 3 inches to 3.5 inches long.

When should I pick my jalapeños?

As the peppers mature, they will develop from light green to dark green – signifying they are perfect for picking. This stage is reached traditionally around five to six months after planting, or around 60 to 80 days after transplanting.

Why are my jalapeños turning dark purple?

What does a ripe jalapeno look like?

Ripe jalapenos are a 4 – 6 inches long, fat, firm, and develop a bright sheen. They will turn a bright green, then begin to darken to a deeper green, then to black, and then to red. Jalapenos are ready to be picked when they are firm and bright green, but you can leave them on the plant all the way until they turn red.

Why are my jalapenos turning brown?

While most jalapeno varieties turn red when fully ripe, others turn orange or yellow. In these cases, the peppers may not turn completely black, but will darken somewhat before ripening. Thankfully, this darkening simply means that your peppers are almost ready to be harvested!

Why do my jalapeños have brown spots?

Jalapeno peppers that develop large, dark, water-soaked areas on the bottom of the fruits have blossom-end rot. The spots enlarge and darken from brown to black over time, and mold may grow on the spots. It’s a physiological disorder that is caused from a combination of improper cultural practices.

Is it okay to eat jalapeños when they turn red?

So, what does a jalapeno turning red mean? Not much. All it means is the fruit is very ripe and ready to be picked and/or eaten. If you see red jalapenos on your plants, pick them ASAP to avoid wasting them.

Are red jalapeños hotter than green?

To explain this further, red jalapeños typically have a higher content of capsaicin, which is why they can be so much spicier than their green counterparts.

How do you know when a jalapeno has gone bad?

Jalapeno peppers that are spoiling will typically become soft and discolored; discard any jalapeno peppers that have an off smell or appearance.