Q: Hi Dave, I ordered some habanero seeds, Caribbean reds and red habaneros. I am a first time grower. I searched your site and could not find what the soil pH level should be for habaneros. Thanks, Patrick A: Hello Patrick:The soil should be neutral, pH of 7.–Dave
Will Seeds Germinate–Air Dried vs. Furnace Dried
Q: Dear Dave,Can the seeds from store purchased dried peppers still germinate?–Harold A: Hello Harold:That depends entirely on whether the pods were air/sun dried (will germinate) or furnace dried (won’t germinate). There’s no way to know in advance, so all you can do is plant some, but back up those plantings with commercially purchased seeds or seedlings.I recommend www.reimerseeds.com for …
Dried for Fresh Habaneros
Q: Hi Dave,My Scovie Award-winning Habanero & Cranberry Jelly uses fresh habaneros. Obviously, these aren’t available year-round. How many dried would you substitute? One for one? How about using ground habanero powder? Thanks for your advice.–Mike A: Hello Mike:Yes, substitute 1 dried for each fresh one. Just rehydrate them in warm water. You can use habanero powder at the rate …
Plastic Lids OK for Hot Water Bath?
Q: Dave,I was wondering if the 5 oz. sauce bottles with the plastic screw top lids work for hot water baths. I make hot sauce and would like an extra margin of safety in the preservation process. If these bottles/lids are not suitable, what would you suggest?Thank you, Jack A: Hello Jack:I’ve never done the water bath with jars with plastic …
How to Get Sauces Bottled
Q: Dear Dave,I have a line of Gourmet Sauces that I have reserved for use in my restaurants. I would like to get some of them bottled and on the open market. I know it can be done…I just don’t know who to contact. It seems like every time I ask someone about "how" to get my sauces bottled, everybody …