Q: Hi Dave,I have been a "hot lover" for years and have had the chance to try many different foods and spices as I traveled the world for the U.S. Navy. I have recently decided to grow my own but have run into a problem. I am growing jalapeños, habaneros, and serranos. All of the jalapeños I have picked are …
Tabascos Dropping Dead
Q: Dear Dave,Twice now, I’ve had Tabasco plants in 5-gallon buckets that just dropped dead on me right when they started to make pods. I’ve grown Tabascos in large buckets for years now with great success, and now this. First, they appeared to be too wet (I do have drain holes in the buckets), so I let them dry out. …
Chile Tepins, Chiltepins, or Petines?
Q: Dear Dave,I find it very difficult to find chile tepins in any store in the last couple of years. I have tried growing them with a little success, but the last ones were caught in an early freeze a year ago. Today, I found some peppers in Wal-Mart by that look like tepines but are called chili petines. I …
Non-Toxic Heat Removal
Q: Dear Dave,It sounds like you are an expert in the field of chiles. How can I wash the “heat” off my hands? I was told by one person to try acetone. There has to be something out there that is not toxic!–Linda A: Hello Linda:The best way is to rub your hands with vegetable oil, then wash them about …
Do Frozen Habaneros Spoil?
Q: Dear Dave,My sister sent me homegrown habanero peppers five or six years ago. I have kept them double bagged and only opened the bags every six months or so. Do habaneros go bad, spoil, etc.? Do they pose a health hazard?–Alan A: Hello Alan:I assume that you have them frozen. If so, they won’t go bad or spoil, but …