To determine if your banana peppers are overripe, look for several key signs:
Indicators of Overripeness
Softness: If the peppers feel soft or mushy to the touch, they are likely overripe. Ripe banana peppers should be firm and crisp.
Wrinkled Skin: Overripe banana peppers often develop wrinkles or a shriveled appearance. Healthy, ripe peppers should have smooth, glossy skin.
Color Changes: While banana peppers can change from green to yellow, orange, or red, if they are turning excessively dark or showing signs of decay, they may be overripe.
Size Stagnation: If the peppers have stopped growing and have remained the same size for several days, they may be nearing overripeness, especially if they are also showing signs of softness or wrinkles.
Stem Condition: A dried or brittle stem can indicate that the pepper has been on the plant too long.
Regularly checking your banana peppers for these signs will help you harvest them at their peak freshness and avoid overripeness, which can lead to loss of flavor and texture.