Q: Dear Dave,I have been away from fiery foods for a few years. What happened to the Old Southwest Trading Company? Where is the best place to find dried chiles, especially chiltepins? Thanks, Glenn A: Hello Glenn:Old Southwest Trading Company closed long ago. For dried chiles, go to www.melissas.com and search for "chile." They have chiltepins under the term "tepin." –Dave
Peak Heat Level
Q: Dear Dave,Thanks for all you do; your site is a great resource! I have a question about the heat levels of ripe peppers versus green peppers. Is one hotter than the other? If so, does it make a difference whether the pepper ripens on or off the plant?Thank you for your time, Angie A: Hello Angie:Thanks for your kind words. …
Watering & Fetilizer
Q: Dave,Greetings from the Iowa Great Lakes. I am going to plant 15 varieties of chile plants (about 80 plants total) this summer. Can I water with an underground lawn sprinkler system? Watering will be done in the early morning to allow for sufficient leaf drying. The water will be drawn from the lake which is quite fertile, evidenced by …
Small Commercial Kitchens in Iowa
Q: Hi Dave,I am located in Southern Iowa. Do you know of any small commercial kitchens that I could contact about making and bottling my hot sauce? I am at a dead end.Many Thanks, Ria A: Hello Ria:If you are looking for a co-packer near you, contact your county extension agent. If you are searching for a co-packer anywhere, go to …
Why Boil Peppers?
Q: Dear Dave,I have a recipe for salsa using serrano peppers. I was told to boil the peppers—what might be the reason for this?Thanks, Craig B. A: Hello Craig:No need to boil the peppers. Use them raw.–Dave