Chilli heatwave - can I use them green?

[CaroleL]

As the title says - are chilli heatwave ok to pick and preserve/use when they're still green?

Mine are showing no sign at all of wanting to turn the promised red/orange/yellow, while the Apache are cropping nicely now and are a lovely bright red. Even the sweet peppers are thinking about turning with two being a muddy brown at the moment.

As I'm very much a chilli novice, I thought if I asked, someone on here would know

[Elfeda]

Carol,

shall I pm you my address

I love green chilli's

[WilliamD]

Heatwave is supposedly averagely hot, so it's just a question of whether they've built up any of that heat yet while they're still green. Best thing is to taste a bit of a raw one, that'll tell you. It's perfectly safe to use and preserve them while they're green by the way. Most jalapeños are used green, but they actually mature to red. You'd just be doing the same thing with your heatwaves.

[Chris11]

If the plants are healthy and protected, like a greenhouse or sunny windowsill, I'd leave them a bit longer. Even this time of year, pods are still ripening, just slowly. Make sure you're not over-watering, and you might still get lucky.

The British growing season is frustratingly not quite long enough to get the best from chillies, but that's part of the challenge, it can be done.

Agree with WilliamD, chillies can be eaten green, either by choice or necessity

[Scarlet]

You can use them green but the ones you don't need I'd leave them ripen on the plant. Keep them on your kitchen windowsill and pick them next month.

[CaroleL]

That's really helpful, thanks guys

They're in the greenhouse so I'll leave them a bit longer and if they don't turn, I'll pick them green. Kitchen windowsill not an option, though. It's way too small and is home to several other things.

[Scarlet]

Chillies won't last much longer in the greenhouse, it's getting cold already. We've had a couple of ground frosts here in the South West. Pick them before they get frosted. Mine have been indoors for a month.

[CaroleL]

Chillies won't last much longer in the greenhouse, it's getting cold already. We've had a couple of ground frosts here in the South West. Pick them before they get frosted. Mine have been indoors for a month.

We're quite sheltered where I am, but I have been keeping an eye on the temperatures overnight. I'll be picking the rest of the tomatoes which are still green this week, and making some chutney with them. I'll probably harvest the chillies too for the freezer.

Thanks for the advice

[BUFFS]

I leave mine as long as possible then just throw about a mix of 4 into freezer bags, dropped into the freezer til needed, the colour just seems to warn you of the amount of heat to expect....so enjoy..