I've started a collection of chillie plants at home, some commercially sourced, others from family and friends, others the fruit 'spontaneously' appeared in my pocket,
.
Each has there own characteristics of heat and flavour. Habaneros are murderously hot, but I'm not a big fan of their taste. The humble Birds' Eye is nearly as hot, but I prefer its taste. I've got some shaped like little lanterns that I'm waiting to ripen before I taste.
But when you pick them depends on your taste preference and what recepie you are following as the fruit's level of ripeness has a big influence on its heat and flavour.
Have a go. Pick one green and have a chomp,
. Then try a ripe one, as colour when ripe depends on the type. Habaneros when ripe can be red or orange or yellow or white or purple or nearly chocolate in colour. Depends on the plant you have.