Some of the Jalapeno's get some woody marks up and down the pepper when they are ready...
(I like to pick them just before they get toooo heavy with the markings..)

Also, when you pull them straight up, they just come right off, like no tugging involved, they snap off when they are ready...

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Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

I grow alot of the hotter varieties..
*jalap's, cayennes', ...

Um, can't tell you on the bells', don't have much luck *short growing season and I'm tooooooooo slow getting them started* for the bell peppers.....

I did grow the banana one's and they also picked the same way..

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

On the jalapenos..once they are 1 to 1-1/2 inches you can pick them, even when green. Weezie..i didn't know that about the hot peppers about them pulling off the stem, I know Bells do that. I always use sissors to cut the stems, as I am always afraid of getting that hot pepper juice on my hands and then wiping sweat off my face and having that burning sensation...And maybe you don't get any hot pepper juice while picking, but I tend to lean toward the safer way just in case. Here is a picture of Jalapenos when they are the right size for picking:



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The woody on Jalapenos is called corking, and is a desired trait in Mexico- it means its a more mature Jalapeno. They can be harvest green or red- although reds will be hotter, with a sweeter taste. If you plan on making Chiplotles (smoked dried Jalapenos) they should be red. The best way to harvest peppers is to use a pair of gardening cutters. Jalapenos can have purple streaks in them when immature, which will go away as it gets bigger. When to pick really depends on the cultivar, Hungarian Waxs, are usally picked yellow, although they can turn red and orange (and are hotter). Most drying types are picked when full colored, usally red depending on the culivar again. Full color will give it full heat, and taste! I have about 175 Hot pepper plants growing in my Garden- still waiting for alot to turn red.

Ive canned some- Jalapenos, and Hungarian wax's. Will pickel a few of the other thicker peppers. The thinner types will be dried, and made into seasonings, chile oils, and vinegars. I grew most all from seed, so it really didnt cost me a whole lot to plant them.