If you grow your own garlic, be sure to mature it at room temperature for a couple of weeks before using it. Peppers have grown in popularity in recent years, and a wide variety are now available in neighborhood grocery stores. Native to the Americas, most varieties belong to the Capsicum annuum species. Almost all peppers turn from green to yellow, orange, red or purple when they are fully ripe. Green bell peppers are often harvested before they are ripe and are usually less expensive because they can better withstand transport and tend to last longer.
Peppers range in pungency from the sweet bell to the fiery habanero.
Each type of hot pepper has its own distinctive flavor and level of hotness. When pickling or canning peppers, it is important to follow recipe directions carefully. Peppers preserved improperly at home have caused botulism. You can have fun with our hot chili salsa recipe. In this recipe you start with 5 lb. of tomatoes.