Currently, Serrano pepper is also becoming one of the peppers that many gardeners care about and grow at home.
Serrano pepper may not be as widespread as Jalapenos pepper, but it is also a popular pepper.
Therefore, many gardeners are also confused about how to plant, care for, and when to harvest this pepper. In this article, we will give you full information on when you can enjoy this delicious pepper.
When are serrano peppers ready to pick? Let’s discuss this in detail in this article.
What Is Serrano Pepper?
The Serrano pepper, also known as Capsicum Annuum, is a chili pepper native to the mountainous regions of the Mexican states of Puebla and Hidalgo.
Serrano pepper is similar in appearance to Jalapeno with a smaller size but significantly higher spiciness and heat. So, if you are a spicy lover, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this pepper.
In terms of heat ratings for pepper varieties, Serrano pepper is rated between 10,000 and 25,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units). Meanwhile, Jalapeno peppers have ratings between 2500 and 10,000 SHU.
Serrano pepper is an indispensable spice in Thai and Mexican cuisine because it creates a very unique flavor for the dishes here.
Read more: What Is Eating Holes In My Pepper Plant Leaves
When Are Serrano Peppers Ready To Pick?
Like other types of pepper, Serrano pepper does not have a specific date to harvest. When to harvest Serrano pepper completely depends on your preferences in terms of size, color, and taste.
However, if you want to know about the best time to harvest Serrano pepper for the best flavor, you can harvest based on the criteria below.
1. Harvest Based On Size
The average size of a Serrano pepper is typically 1 to 4 inches long and half an inch wide. Their shape is long and thin, the fruit grows in clusters.
You can harvest Serrano peppers at any time, however, the best time is when they are 3 to 4 inches long.
If you are growing plants from seed, you should check the information about the average size of Serrano peppers as they mature.
2. Harvest Based On Ripeness
Before growing plants from seeds, you should check the information about planting and harvesting times as well as the color of the pepper when it is time to harvest.
With each color in each stage, the flavor of Serrano pepper will be different and suitable for different dishes. Serrano peppers can be green for several weeks before they ripen.
Serrano peppers are considered very spicy, so their level of spiciness also depends on the color of the fruit.
Serrano pepper will be milder while the fruit is still green and will become more spicy and hot when the fruit is ripe.
Serrano pepper will range in color from green to dark green and then red. The best time to harvest is when the fruit has turned dark green. The spicy but not overpowering flavor will make it safer to enjoy them.
Especially, if you are harvesting in bulk, you should also pick the berries at this time so you can better preserve the Serrano pepper.
3. Harvest Based On The Parameters On The Package
For each type of pepper, the producer will specify the ripening time, size, and color of them. This is also a way for you to know about the best time to harvest Serrano pepper.
If you only grow Serrano pepper in small and small quantities, you can harvest depending on the intended use, but if you are planting a large amount and want to harvest at the same time, you should consult the time from the producer.
On average, Serrano pepper will be ready to harvest and give its best flavor in about 70 to 90 days. If you harvest green peppers then in about 60 days or more.
In particular, if you harvest early when the peppers are still green, the Serrano tree tends to continue to flower more and bear fruit in the new batch. This is a way to stimulate the Serrano tree to continue to flower and bear fruit in a new crop.
4. Harvest Based On Weather
Serrano pepper is very popular in Mexico because of its hot summer climate and mild winters. This type of pepper does not tolerate low temperatures and cold.
So, if you are growing Serrano pepper outdoors, you should harvest them on warm days because cold weather will reduce the quality of Serrano pepper and make it easier to spoil faster.
Don’t forget to bring the Serrano pepper plant indoors or in a warm area when the weather is cold and frosty.
Conclude
The time to harvest Serrano peppers is extremely variable, it also depends on your needs in terms of their spiciness, size, and flavor.
However, the right time to harvest is 70 to 90 days because then Serrano pepper will give the best flavor. The shortest time you can harvest is from 60 days or more.
In addition, you only need to observe the color of Serrano pepper to harvest and use. The green is a less hot pepper, the dark green is ideal for harvesting and the red is more intense and pungent.
If you love to experience and learn about a variety of chili peppers, check out the detailed articles on chili peppers in the pepper category here.