Ripeness of Fresh Chili: When to Harvest Chili

Ripeness is a important factor that affect the quality of fresh chili. When get ripened, chili can offer the extremly spiciness. However, there are some notes when storing ripened chili. In this post, we’ll discover the ripeness of fresh chili from Vietnam.

1. Growing conditions for Chili Peppers in Vietnam

The ideal weather for chilies is warm and sunny. People can technically grow them all year round. However, the dry season, which lasts from around September to April, is the best time. Because there’s less rain, which means less risk of diseases that might damage the plants. Chilies also prefer well-drained soil that’s a bit sandy, allowing water to drain away easily and prevent the roots from rotting.

Dong Thap province, which is in southern Vietnam, is famous for growing a lot of chilies. There are many different types of chilies in Vietnam. A popular choice is the bird’s eye chili, or perilous chili pepper, known in Vietnamese as “Ớt mắt chim”. These tiny chilies are super hot and are often used in small amounts to add a spicy punch to dishes. Another popular variety is the F1 Viet AK 12 hybrid. This type of chili is a favorite among farmers because it’s resistant to diseases, grows strong and bushy, and the chilies can be stored for a long time, which makes it great for selling. Besides these above, farmers in Vietnam plant many kinds of chili such as celestial chili, golden horn chili, cayenne pepper, and even bell pepper.

2. Harvesting & ripeness of Chili

It’s not too hard to grow chili plants. Growing chilies starts with planting seeds in trays. After a few weeks, when the seedlings reach a good size, farmers carefully transplant them into fields. Farmers need to make sure the plants get enough water and sunlight.  Besides, some may use fertilizers to help them grow even better. However, many farmers also like to use organic methods, without any chemicals.

The exciting part comes about 2 months after flowers bloom, depending on the type of chili. That’s when the first chilies are ready for harvesting! Farmers harvest typically every 3-4 days. This frequent picking encourages the plants to keep producing more and more chilies. The best time to pick a chili depends on how spicy they want. For a milder flavor, they pick the chili when it just starts to change color. Normally, the farmers harvest fresh chili when they are ripened. Therefore the ripeness of fresh chili from Vietnam is usually at 95% or higher. This ripeness rate can ensure the spiciness of chili, also ensure the quality when producers make them into dried chili.

3. Factors affect the shelf life of Fresh Chili

A combination of internal and external factors influences the shelf life of fresh chili. First, let’s discover the internal factors

Variety: Different chili pepper varieties exhibit varying shelf lives. This is due to the genetic makeup and thickness of the chili.

Maturity: Ripe chilies generally have a shorter shelf life than unripe ones.

Disorders: Diseases and pests can significantly reduce the shelf life of chili peppers.

Now, let’s discover the external factors affacting how long can fresh chilies last.

Temperature: Chilies are best stored at cool temperatures, typically between 7°C (45°F) and 10°C (50°F).

Humidity: High humidity can promote mold growth, while low humidity can lead to shriveling.

Atmosphere: Ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone, can accelerate ripening and shorten shelf life. Therefore, keep fresh chili away from ripe fruits.

Handling: Proper harvesting, sorting, and packaging techniques are essential to minimize damage and maintain quality.

4. How to store Fresh Chili

The first step to long-lasting chili freshness is selecting the right ones. You should select firm, unblemished chilies that are free of bruises and soft spots. Also, avoid those that are overly ripe, as they may spoil more quickly.

Then, you need to clean and dry the chilies. By following these steps, it helps for better storage. Gently wash the chilies under running water to remove dirt and debris. Then, thoroughly dry the chilies with a clean kitchen towel to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

You can store chili in a cool and dry place for a long time, for example, in the refrigerator. Place the fresh chilies in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Then, store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where the temperature and humidity are relatively stable. In the fridge, chilies can last for several weeks. However, keep chilies away from ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables like apples, bananas, and tomatoes, as ethylene can accelerate ripening and spoilage.

For a longer time, you can consider freezing. Frozen chilies can last for several months. Here are guides on preparing for freezing chili. For optimal color and texture retention, blanch the chilies before freezing. Briefly immersing them in boiling water, then shocking them in ice water. Once blanched and cooled, package the chilies in airtight freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Then, place the bags in the freezer. It can ensure chili for a longer time.

About us

Havigo Company Limited operates in the field of agricultural export. We wish to bring high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products such as spices, rice, beans, and fruits… to the world. We supply you with high-quality products at the best price. If you find interested in importing Fresh Chili from Vietnam, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for better support via WhatsApp: +84 979 58 58 56.

We are confident in our ability to deliver products that consistently meet the highest quality standards while offering competitive pricing within the market. Furthermore, we are committed to providing exceptional customer support throughout your entire experience. Please contact us for better support via WhatsApp: +84 979 58 58 56.