Q: Greetings Sir Dave:I bought four of your books recently, and they are very informative and great fun. I made cuttings from several plants from last season’s garden: poblano, Fresno, Joe Parker New Mexico, hot wax, jalapeño, serrano, and cayenne. Sadly, all my cayenne cuttings died, the last two during week 7 and 8. It has been 9 weeks since …
Capsaicin Health Hazards
Q: Dave,In looking around for the best hot sauce, I have come across many of these sauces with Scoville ratings of 1,000,000 and even up to 16,000,000 (pure capsaicin). While I know these are food additives only, and I would never attempt to taste them on their own, what are the dangers to the body? And at what levels would …
Soil pH for Habaneros
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 …