Are the red peppers on my pepper plant edible?

Question

I have brought my pepper plant inside for the winter and it has taken off beautifully. It has tons of peppers just like when I bought if from the nursery. My 3 year old daughter likes to touch and pick them off. What will be the consequences of her actions

Answer 1

She'll probably be fine - if you still have the plant ID stick that came with it you should google to find out more info on that particular pepper. If it's a hot pepper, then she runs the risk of getting the oils in her eyes, etc., so I would take care until you know what kind of pepper it is.

Answer 2

It would be really beneficial to know what kind of pepper plant you are talking about. Are you talking about the ornamental pepper plant? If you are then they are extremely poisonous and should be kept away from your toddler completely. If it is a plant from your garden that is intended to be eaten then there is no danger of illness with the exception of a possible upset tummy or burning if they are hot peppers.

Information on ornamental peppers:
"The ornamental plants of the nightshade family contain elements called solamines that are toxic to the gastrointestinal system and the brain. Plants in this group include: Chinese Lantern, Christmas Cherry, and Ornamental Pepper plants. These plants to can cause death but it is more rare"
http://www.pugman.com/Pug%20Information/Poisonous%20Plants.htm

Answer 3

As long as they are sweet peppers there shouldnt be any consequences. Be careful with the hot peppers though.
I have a Pequin Pepper plant thats 7 years old.
They still taste fine.

Answer 4

If it's a bell pepper your fine, if not be careful. Bell peppers start out green and the sun turns them red