A very nice variety developed here by us at Atlantic pepper seeds with very good sweet taste plants grow very good in cool climates with very good yields of large pods that are very good in salads or fresh 

C.Annuum

APS BANANA SWEET - The Gentle Sunshine

**Basic Info**  

Species: *Capsicum annuum*  

Origin: Atlantic Pepper Seeds (APS)  

Heat: Sweet (0-500 SHU)  

Type: Banana-shaped, non-heat variety  

**Story**  

In a world of fiery peppers, the APS Banana Sweet stands as a gentle reminder that not all peppers need to burn to be valuable. This variety carries the classic banana pepper shape - long, tapered, and slightly curved - but with the crucial difference of zero heat. It's a variety born from the recognition that many cooks want the flavor and texture of peppers without the spiciness.  

Historically, sweet banana peppers have been a staple in American home gardens since the early 1900s, prized for their mild flavor and versatility. The APS selection has been refined for improved yield and disease resistance while maintaining the traditional characteristics that made them beloved. The pods ripen from pale yellow to a warm golden-orange, creating a beautiful display in any garden.  

What makes this variety particularly useful is its adaptability. The thick, crisp walls make them perfect for pickling, stuffing, or eating fresh. In Mediterranean cuisine, they're often fried as appetizers, while in American delis, they're a standard pickle accompaniment. Their mild flavor means they won't overpower other ingredients, making them ideal for salads, sandwiches, and dishes where pepper flavor is desired but heat is not.  

For gardeners with children or those sensitive to capsaicin, this variety offers all the benefits of homegrown peppers without the risk of accidental heat. The plants are compact and productive, making them suitable for small spaces or container gardening. Unlike some sweet varieties that lack flavor depth, the APS Banana Sweet maintains a subtle sweetness with mild tanginess that distinguishes it from mere bell pepper substitutes.  

**Plant**  

Compact (1.5-2.5 feet), bushy, ideal for containers and small gardens.  

**Pods**  

2-3 inches long, pale yellow to golden-orange, thick-walled, banana-shaped.  

**Flavor**  

Mild sweetness with subtle tang, zero heat.  

**Kitchen**  

Pickling, frying, fresh in salads, stuffing.  

**Growing Tips**  

- 65-80 days to maturity  

- Full sun (6+ hours)  

- Zones 4-11 (adaptable)  

- Moderate water needs  

**Culinary Uses**  

- Traditional pickle recipe  

- Fried as appetizers  

- Fresh in sandwiches and salads  

**Common Questions**  

Q: Will it cross-pollinate with hot peppers?  

A: Yes, but offspring will remain sweet unless cross-pollinated with hot varieties.  

Q: How long do they keep?  

A: Pickled versions last 6-12 months refrigerated.  

Q: Best harvest time?  

A: When pods reach 2-3 inches and are firm but not hard.  

Q: Can it grow indoors?  

A: Yes, with sufficient light (6+ hours of direct sun).