A very good variety developed here by us Atlantic pepper seeds with great flavor and good heat plants grow very good in cool climates with very good yields of large red banana shaped pods that are very good for pickles and powder and salsas

APS BANANA HOT - The Golden Spark

**Basic Info**  

Species: *Capsicum annuum*  

Origin: Atlantic Pepper Seeds (APS)  

Heat: Medium (15,000-30,000 SHU)  

Type: Banana-shaped yellow variety  

**Story**  

The name 'Banana Hot' speaks to both its appearance and its surprising character. These elongated, banana-shaped pods start pale yellow and mature to a warm golden hue, creating a striking visual contrast against the plant's deep green foliage. But don't let the cheerful appearance fool you - beneath the sunny exterior lies a serious heat that has earned this variety a reputation among pepper enthusiasts.  

Originally developed in the mid-20th century as a commercial hot pepper for the American South, this APS selection has been refined for both flavor and heat consistency. The 'hot' designation distinguishes it from the sweet banana pepper varieties that dominated home gardens. What sets this apart is its clean, sharp heat that builds steadily rather than hitting suddenly, paired with the bright, slightly citrusy flavor that makes it versatile in the kitchen.  

The pods are perfectly sized for stuffing, frying, or slicing fresh. Their thick walls hold up well to cooking without becoming mushy, and the heat distributes evenly throughout each pod. In traditional Southern cuisine, these peppers are often pickled or fried as appetizers, but their heat level also makes them excellent for adding warmth to stews, salsas, and grilled meats.  

For gardeners, the APS Banana Hot offers reliable production even in shorter growing seasons. The plants are compact enough for containers yet vigorous enough to produce dozens of pods per season. The heat level sits in that sweet spot where it's noticeable but not overwhelming - perfect for those who want pepper flavor without the extreme burn of superhots.  

**Plant**  

Compact to medium size (2-3 feet), upright growth, excellent for containers.  

**Pods**  

1-2 inches long, pale yellow to golden when ripe, smooth skin, banana-shaped.  

**Flavor**  

Bright, citrusy notes with medium heat that builds gradually.  

**Kitchen**  

Fried, pickled, fresh in salsas, stuffed, grilled.  

**Growing Tips**  

- 70-85 days to maturity  

- Full sun (6-7 hours)  

- Adaptable to zones 5-11  

- Drought-tolerant once established  

**Culinary Uses**  

- Southern-style fried peppers  

- Quick-pickle for sandwiches  

- Fresh in Mexican salsas  

**Common Questions**  

Q: How does heat compare to jalapeño?  

A: Roughly 2-3 times hotter than standard jalapeño.  

Q: Can I eat them green?  

A: Yes, though heat intensifies as they mature to yellow.  

Q: Best way to preserve?  

A: Pickling or freezing whole for later use.  

Q: Is it a hybrid?  

A: Open-pollinated variety selected for consistent traits.