Harvest and Postharvest Recommendations for Chili Pepper

The duration of harvesting can last up to 100 days, but usually ranges between 50 to 60 days. Good quality chilies should be uniform in shape, size, and color typical of the variety. Chili harvesting involves picking the fruit by hand, removing it from the branch while ensuring the stem remains intact and attached to the fruit. Overripe soft fruit is also removed from the plant during harvest. Pickers should wear gloves to protect their hands from the oils in the fruit, which can cause severe burns. Harvested fruits can be placed directly into plastic field crates or into smaller plastic buckets, which are then transferred to crates at the side of the field. Proper handling and storage of harvested chilies are crucial to maintain their quality. Chili should be cleaned in the field and sorted by hand, with fruit with defects such as cracks, decay, mechanical damage, and sunburn being sorted out and rejected. Undersized, shriveled, dull-looking, pitted, or softening fruit should also be discarded. Chili may be classified by color, such as red or green, and a mixture of red, green, and yellow, and placed together or separate parts of the same container. Packing for transport requires the use of packaging materials with air holes for good ventilation. Storage facilities must be dry and cool, with good ventilation. Different kinds of packaging containers are used for chili sold to domestic markets, including bamboo baskets, wooden crates, plastic crates, and plastic bags. Plastic crates offer better protection against physical injuries than the other containers due to their smooth surface, rigidity, and ease in handling. Chili is susceptible to mechanical damage, particularly if it is transported in sacks or bags. Any cracks, splits, or punctures will cause the fruit to deteriorate rapidly. Discoloration, decay, and tissue breakdown are common symptoms of damage. The vehicle used for transportation should be refrigerated or at least have a roof to protect the produce from direct sunlight and shade the loaded baskets.