Q. Dear Dave,Have you noticed in growing C. baccatum any sun scorching on the pods? This summer I grew C. baccatum for the first time. I planted seeds of the ’Aji Limon’ variety and early on had them in full sun. As the first pods started to develop I noticed that they began to get sun scorched quite easily. After …
Making Chile Mash at Home
Q. Hi Dave, Are there any websites that explain how to make pepper mash; I would like to try to make some at home. Thanks, Jon A. Hello Jon:Here’s the method:Use fresh pods of any variety or color but remember that the mash will be the color of the chiles. Remove the seeds and stems of the pods; wash and …
Testing Bottled Hot Sauce
Q. Dave.I made a bout three large bottles of Hot sauce from Habs and Portuguese Hot peppers and I used vinegar in the mix. They have been in the refrigerator un-opened for the last two years and look good. How can I test them without tasting them? Is there a test to see if they are O.K.?Brian A. Hello Brian:You could …
Self-Incompatible Rocotos
Q. Dear Dave:Well, I notice that the rocoto has problems self-pollinating. I have one on order from the Chili-gal (seedling to be shipped to Louisiana in May,) but should I order another for proper fruiting? Thanks,Primo A. Hello Primo:Rocotos are self-incompatible, meaning that they cannot self-pollinate. The pollen must be transferred, usually by insects, from the flower of another plant. I …
How to Grind Long Pepper
Q. Hi Dave,I bought, have read, and am using your new Spicy Food Lovers Bible. Great book, but I have a question. I have purchased some "long pepper" that you talked about, but don’t know how to use it. Your recipes have included most of the other spices described but I couldn’t find anything with "long pepper" in it. Any …