Q: Hi Dave,Recently at a dinner engagement I said that the chiles will produce more capsaicin if grown in an adverse environment, the more adverse the hotter the chiles. A friend differed with me and said that it was genetic. What is the correct reason for the heat in chiles?Kind regards, Michael A: Hello Michael:We now believe the heat level is …
Thai Varieties & Gardening in Spain
Q: Hi Dave,I live in southern Spain and started growing a variety of chile plants outdoors. The plants from last year are still growing and have plenty of chiles growing. Should I remove all the fruit and cut the present plants back during the winter, or should I go ahead and plant new varieties for the coming season? We don’t …
Goat Peppers
Q: Hi Dave, While traveling in the Bahamas, we left the tourist areas and ate/shopped in local markets and restaurants. We discovered goat peppers and loved them. Can’t find them in the States, of course, but I also can’t find any seed to purchase so that I can grow them. Are they also known under another name? Do you have any …
Jalapeños in Singapore
Q: Hello Dave, I’m from Singapore where the weather is hot and humid. My question is where to buy seeds for jalapeños and the Mexican varieties, for a home garden. Most jalapeños are suited for dry climates. Yours, Hasli A: Hello Hasli:I would suggest that you grow any type of jalapeños in containers using well-drained potting soil. I have no idea …
Canning Questions
Q: Hey Dave!I have a salsa that I’d like to can but I’ve never canned anything and I’m afraid of poisoning somebody. What would be the best way to can the following recipe: canned tomatoes, fresh green onions, canned green chilies, canned black olives, olive oil, white vinegar, garlic salt, jalapeños and fresh cilantro?–Steve A: Hello Steve:This article should answer …