Stress can cause jalapeno peppers to produce more capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their heat. Capsaicin is produced as a defense mechanism by the pepper plant to deter animals and insects from eating the peppers. When the plant is stressed, it may produce more capsaicin as a way to protect itself.
There are a few different ways you can stress your jalapeno pepper plants to increase the heat level of your peppers:
- Withhold water: By withholding water for a week or two, you can stress the plant and cause it to produce more capsaicin. Be sure to resume watering once the plant starts to show signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves.
- Prune the leaves: Removing some of the leaves from the plant can stress it and cause it to produce more capsaicin. Be sure to leave enough leaves to allow the plant to photosynthesize and grow properly.
- Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer: Nitrogen is an important nutrient for plant growth, but it can also increase the heat level of your jalapeno peppers. Fertilize your plants once a month with a high-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and increase the heat level.
By stressing your jalapeno pepper plants, you can increase the heat level of your peppers and enjoy even spicier dishes. Just be sure to handle hot peppers with caution and wear gloves when handling them to avoid irritation