Sue it sounds like deer. In the spring they ate my leaves as they were emerging. But, last week, just the buds on one of my dl's, my strawberry plants and leaves off my cherry trees. Didn't touch my hostas right next to the DL or any of my roses. I was lucky they only ate the buds off one of my noids and the buds from one scape on the dl next to it. There were hoof prints in the mud where I had watered the night before so I'm positive it was deer. I mix 2 eggs with a gallon of water and mist my dl's once every other week. Seems to be working.... Knock on wood. Andrea

They are fine to eat, though maybe a little gross to think about. Just cut off damaged portions and use the rest. Use those ones first obviously as they will not keep long since the rind is damaged.

Probably they are from some cross pollination. But from what I have just learned, probably they are a kind of Cayenne.

Nice article. No exactly up to date but close. He is very busy. Last up-date was March 30th. I'm most respectful of those being cautious. Irresponsible to not be. And does not take much extra time at all. Once a system is in place. Too many un-knowns. Yes, every hour decreases the viral load if it can't find a host. We are not getting many deliveries but all delivery persons are wearing masks except for one last week and I was pissed. Fortunately not perishable so I left it outside for the remainder of the week. Not 100%. So extra precautions makes sense to me. Masks are mandatory here in NY. We are only no contact in my household. Even with lifted openings. My surrounding area north of the city is still no contact. Why our numbers are down. The risk takers may/could find themselves in horrid financial ruin after 2-4 weeks hospitalized, survive, and have some big bills. Or funeral costs and family/friends suffering the loss. I would be fine supporting hot food take-out. We will not because I like cooking at home. But a roast chicken with hot sides?. Easily re-heated. Then a nice healthy stock with misc crisper drawer veg. Only the exterior of any take out could ever be infected or the packaging. I have an outdoor folding table. We decide how to deal each delivery. So easy to be careful. I had an enormous head of red leaf lettuce come in my box last night. Pulled off the outer 5-6 big leaves, bagged, went into downstairs storage. I will quickly blanch, ice bath, and use for a warm salad maybe a few days in the future.. Also the veg box spent time in transit. The inner leaves are best anyway. Having some of that tonight. I wash as the bags come upstairs and straight to the sink/soap/wash station. Fruit, squash, avocado, etc, They get a soap scrub with a soft nail brush. At least my kitchen fridge is de-covided. Everything else is quarantined. Cold temps like a fridge can suspend the viral death time but I agree rather low at the time it gets to that point. A freezer can hold a virus for maybe a year but again most likely a low viral load by the time it hits the freezer. We know so much more now. Close indoor contact. Wear a mask. Just a simple dealing with pantry moths 8-10 years ago. What worked was using all two dozen suggested methods. Not just one or two. (safe organic)...what eventually worked I have no idea. Combo treatment was the best solution.