As Ontario starts to warm up, so does the produce available out in the fields. Hot peppers do not always spring to mind when it comes to Canadian field production, but growers in Ontario are now making preparations for the upcoming hot pepper harvest which is expected to begin in late August. This year, cool and wet weather during the growing season has caused the crop to fall behind schedule.
“Our Ontario hot pepper crop was planted from the third week of May to the first week of June,” said Angie Chambers of Can-Am Pepper. “This spring we experienced wet and cool conditions which put us behind by a week to ten days. Some growers however, were able to get product in on time between the rains. Also, we received some good heat units this past week which will help plant development.”
Many varieties on offer
Can-Am Pepper not only grows hot peppers in Ontario, but also in Ohio as well as in Mexico, the latter supplying the company’s year-round hot pepper supplies. The Ontario season spans from August through to the fall and Can-Am Pepper grows a number of different hot pepper varieties.
“The varieties that we grow include Hot Jalapenos, Hot Banana, Hot Cherries, Serranos, and Poblano peppers,” Chambers shared. “The Ontario season starts the third week of August and goes up until the first frost which is usually in mid to late October. At other times of the year, we also grow in Ohio and Mexico.”
Processing peppers
Chambers mentioned that the majority of the hot peppers produced by Can-Am Pepper are shipped to processing facilities. These facilities produce a variety of hot pepper products from sliced Jalapeno rings to pickled peppers and relishes.
“Because most of our Ontario-grown hot peppers are sent for further processing, we mainly ship them in reefers bulk loaded or gay-lord boxes,” she said. “However, we also provide retail pack size as well, which are shipped in Bushel Boxes, half-bushel boxes or RPCs.”
For more information:
Angie Chambers
Can-Am Pepper
Ph: +1 (519) 773-3250
[email protected]
www.canampepper.com