Thanks to a confluence of ideal growing conditions, farmers and gardeners across the Cape Fear region are picking far more than a mere peck of peppers this year. Leading the way, overflowing bushels of jalapeños can be found at area farmers markets and produce stands.
"It's a good problem to have, but it's one of the perils of home gardening," said Alex Pridgen, operator of the urban farmstead Anna's Acre in Wilmington. "Fortunately, we can feed anything we don't sell at the market to our chickens."
All those prolific pods leave at least one question lingering for anyone dreaming of homemade salsa, poppers or other peppery preparations: Exactly how hot is this sucker going to be?